Six dead in clashes with Moro rebels in Maguindanao: military
Agence France-Presse | 10/22/2008 11:45 AM
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ZAMBOANGA - Six people were killed in renewed fighting between Muslim guerrillas and government troops in the restive southern Philippines, the military said Wednesday.
Soldiers clashed with guerrillas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Monday near Datu Piang town in Maguindanao province, a military statement said.
The rebels fled after artillery was used to shell their positions. Four guerrillas and one pro-government militiaman were killed in the fighting, the military said.
In another incident, a soldier was killed when troops clashed with MILF rebels in Mamasapano town on Tuesday, said military spokesman Maj. Randolph Cabangbang.
The clashes were part of a continuing offensive launched by MILF commanders Umbra Kato and Abdurahman Macapaar after the Supreme Court in August suspended a draft agreement intended to pave the way for a formal peace accord between the government and the MILF.
The fighting has left dozens of civilians dead and displaced an estimated 500,000 people in the southern Philippines.
