PHILIPPINES: HUNDREDS OF Muslim guerillas yesterday attacked two towns in the Philippines troubled south, killing 34 people, burning homes and looting banks before being driven out by the military.
The attack was the bloodiest since a territorial deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) stalled earlier this month and comes just days after government troops halted an offensive against MILF rebels in another part of Mindanao. Officials said dozens of civilians were used as human shields and some of them were shot dead by retreating rebels who were driven out by a military offensive.
Brig Gen Hilario Atendido said the MILF had also suffered an undetermined number of casualties. "They used them [civilians] as human shields. The rebels killed them on their way out. They were killed as if like chickens. That is the report given to us by the civilians."
Vowing to defend Mindanao, a region rich in nickel, gold and copper, President Macapagal Gloria Arroyo had earlier ordered troops to flush out the guerrillas from the towns.
The military said 26 civilians and eight soldiers were killed in the fighting in Kolambugan and Kauswagan towns in the province of Lanao del Norte.
The mayor of Kolambugan town, Beltran Lumaque, said about 5,000 residents had fled. He said the rebels burned houses and raided bakeries, pawnshops and banks.
On Sunday in Lanao del Norte, about 100 rebel fighters ambushed a military convoy, killing seven soldiers and wounding dozens.
The head of the armed forces said the attacks showed that renegade members of the MILF there had declared war on Manila.
The MILF has distanced itself from the latest attacks.
Spokesman Eid Kabalu said: "Our leadership has not sanctioned these attacks. This has to stop if we can confirm the involvement of our forces."
Last week, the military bombed MILF positions for four consecutive days, triggering an exodus of about 160,000 people, amid accusations the rebels had occupied Catholic farmlands.
- (Reuters)