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Philippines: 13 Muslim rebels killed in clash |
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November 7, 2000
CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines (UNB/AP) - Army troops encountered about 100 Muslim rebels on their way to attack a southern army camp early Monday, setting off a brief clash that killed 13 guerrillas, military officials said. The rebels were traveling on foot toward an army battalion headquarters in Kauswagan in Lanao del Norte province at dawn when soldiers spotted them 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the military camp, the officials said. A 30-minute clash ensued, killing 13 of the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerrillas, army spokesman Maj. Johnny Macanas said. The rebels were accompanied by three unidentified Caucasians who were apparently television journalists, Macanas said. He said there were no indications the foreigners were hurt in the clash. The bodies of three rebels, along with three rifles, were recovered by the army troops, he said. Macanas said they learned about the death of 10 other guerrillas after monitoring rebel conversations over two-way radios. The rest of the rebels fled with the foreigners when troop reinforcements arrived, he said. The MILF is fighting for an independent Islamic nation in the southern Philippines. Philippine officials said the rebels and government negotiators are nearing an agreement to resume peace talks, which were called off early this year when the military launched a crackdown on the rebels. The MILF has a strong presence in many hinterland areas of Lanao del Norte, about 790 kilometers (490 miles) south of Manila. |