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| Southeast Asia |
| Philippines: At least 28 killed in separatist conflict in south |
| 2008-08-19 |
| (AKI) - At least 28 people have been killed in fresh conflict between government forces and militants from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the southern Philippines, officials said Monday. Brig. Gen. Hilario Atendido, commander of Task Force Tabak, told the news channel, GMA, that most of the casualties were from the towns of Lanao del Norte province. Three soldiers were among the dead, while two others were also wounded. Troops were sent to fight the rebels as President Gloria Arroyo vowed to defeat them in a national address. The violence came after the Supreme Court blocked a territorial deal to expand a Muslim autonomous zone in Mindanao. Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez from Sarangani province said earlier two civilians were killed when MILF forces attacked the town of Maasim before dawn on Monday. "They were killed when they (rebels) were withdrawing. They used them as human shields," Atendido said. "The rebels killed them on their way out. They were killed like chickens." Atendido said the military in the province will remain vigilant for more violence. "We are still on alert for any possible return of the MILF...They withdrew (from Kolambugan) as the troops were entering the town." |
| Posted by:Fred |