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Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Military sends more troops to Sulu (3:45 p.m.)
THE Southern Command has sent more troops to Sulu to augment forces fighting against joint elements of the Abu Sayyaf and the breakaway faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
The clashes between government troops and the combined forces of the Abu Sayyaf and MNLF faction spread across Sulu province and have so far claimed the lives of 14 soldiers.
The Armed Forces immediately sent reinforcement to the province to conduct pursuit operations.
The clashes began Monday when more than 500 followers of former MNLF chairman Nur Misuari attacked army troops and marines after a disagreement over military offensives against the Muslim extremist group Abu Sayyaf that affected their stronghold, Lieutenant General Alberto Braganza, Southern Command chief said.
It was not immediately clear how many gunmen loyal to Misuari have been killed or wounded in the fighting in Panamao and other outlying towns.
A government crisis team has been sent to assist civilians affected by the skirmishes.
Braganza also initiated talks with MNLF leaders to avert an escalation of the conflict.
Reports said the MNLF suffered six fatalities in Panamao town to Imbarang and undetermined numbers of deaths in Patikul and Indanan.
The Southern Command believes the MNLF launched the assault to pressure government to transfer jailed rebel leader Nur Misuari to Sulu. (Sunnex/AP) |
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