Fighting Spreads Between Philippine Military Forces And Muslim Rebels

Thousands Flee in South Philippines as Islamic Violence Spreads -- Bloomberg Businessweek

Clashes between Muslim rebels and Philippine troops forced about 15,000 people to flee their homes as violence spread in the nation’s south, complicating efforts to bring peace to the region after four decades of insurgency.

At least 10 people have been killed during four days of fighting between government forces and Moro National Liberation Front rebels, who hold about 100 hostages in several parts of Zamboanga city, police and military officials said. Armed men also attacked the city of Lamitan in Basilan province, a boat ride from Zamboanga, wounding three soldiers, police provincial director Senior Superintendent Mario Dapilloza said.

President Benigno Aquino sent more troops to contain the MNLF guerrillas. The violence coincides with the resumption of peace negotiations with a separate rebel group, threatening government efforts to end an insurgency that has killed about 200,000 people and stifled development in Mindanao.

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More News On Philippine Rebels And Military Forces Fighting For The Fourth Straight Day

Philippine Rebels, Military in Fourth Day of Standoff -- Voice of America
Philippine government warns rebels to end hostage standoff soon, says it is ready to use force -- Washington Post/AP
Muslim rebel clashes spread to second southern Philippine island -- Reuters
Heavy fighting in rebel-besieged Philippine city -- FOX News/AFP
Philippines troops contain Muslim rebels as Zamboanga siege continues -- CNN
Calls for U.N. Mediation After Separatist Rebels Attack Second Philippine Town -- Time
Philippine government warns southern rebels -- Al Jazeera
Philippine Rebel at Center of Hostage Standoff in South -- Wall Street Journal
New Attack Raises Fears of Broader Threat in Philippines -- New York Times
Is the rebel attack in the Philippines a publicity ploy? -- Ralph Jennings, Christian Science Monitor
Separatist clashes in Philippines could renew insurgency -- Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor