Fierce fighting erupted Wednesday between government soldiers and MILF forces in Sipakit, leaving a rebel dead and two others wounded on both sides. The Southern Command said about 200 gunmen attacked patrolling government forces and triggering a firefight that lasted more than six hours. The fighting erupted ahead of the expected arrival of a small group of Malaysian truce observers next week. MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu said, however, that government troops attacked their camp without any provocation, apparently to sabotage the peace process.
Yep. Happens all the time. | Kabalu claimed the assault was nevertheless repelled despite the use of attack helicopters. Pascua denied the accusation yesterday and insisted that rebels violated the truce. |