A Filipino worker was beheaded by militia in Benghazi, Libya, in the first reported incident of decapitation in the Arab country struggling to prevent armed groups from spilling violence.

The Philippine government on Monday confirmed the incident, saying the male victim, whose identity is withheld as requested by family, was allegedly kidnapped over religion issues.

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Foreign affairs spokesperson Charles Jose said the victim was riding a vehicle on July 15 when armed militia stopped them at a checkpoint in Benghazi.

But only the Filipino worker was abducted, allegedly for being a non-Muslim, Jose said. Majority of Philippines' population is Roman Catholic.

The kidnappers then negotiated with the victim's employer, asking for a $160,000 ransom. But negotiators received a call on July 20 regarding the location of the victim, whose body, already in an advanced state of decomposition, was found in a Libyan hospital.

Jose said it suggested that the victim was killed while the negotiation was still taking place. 

It is the first reported incident of beheading in Libya since 2011 as several militia battle against each other in control of their territories.

Libya health officials said at least 47 people have been killed by two rival militias fighting for control of the Tripoli International Airport in the capital, a sign of continuing violence among powerful armed groups which helped topple dictator Muammar Gaddafi three years ago. 

The clashes between militia from the western city of Zintan, which currently controls the facility, and armed groups from Misrata have also injured at least 120 people, it added.

Violence between the two groups resumed last week after the proposed peace talks collapsed, bringing fear not only to Libyan residents living near the area but also to foreign workers.

Even the government is failing to stop the violence caused by the militia, with its weak governance threatening the country's stability.

The Philippines has declared the highest alert level for Libya and is calling for mandatory evacuation of its 13, 000 nationals staying in the country to prevent further casualties.

"The threats to our Filipinos' safety and security became more imminent. We would like to get them out of harm's way because of this incident," Jose said.

TagsFilipino, Militia, Libya, Benghazi