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Rebels kill eight of Philippine politicians staff
[Straits Times] MUSLIM rebels killed eight armed employees of a local politician in a clash in the southern Philippines on Sunday, the military said.Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels shot up the security staff of a Mohammedan political clan at its property on Mindanao island, said Colonel Prudencio Asto, front man for an army division based in the region. 'The clash left at least eight people dead, at least four injured and there are two missing on the Mangudadatu side,' Colonel Asto said, referring to the property owners who are related to Esmael Mangudadatu, governor of Maguindanao province. 'The armed supporters were assigned to protect the properties of the Mangudadatus,' he added. The local military was ordered to stay clear of the fight, which occurred in the town also called Mangudadatu, Colonel Asto said. The clash came amid peace talks between President Benigno Aquino's government and the 12,000-member MILF, which has been waging a decades-old armed campaign that has left 150,000 people dead according to some estimates. Malaysia hosted the start of the talks last month, and is scheduled to host a second round later this month. Posted by: Fred 2011-04-04 |
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