|
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
6 Abu Sayyaf killed, 13 soldiers wounded in clash
MANILA -- Al Qaida-linked militants fleeing Philippine troops took shelter in the camp of a Muslim separatist group that has a peace deal with the government, sparking a battle that wounded at least 13 soldiers, officials said Monday.
Members of the brutal Abu Sayyaf group, target of a months long US-backed offensive on Jolo island, tried to evade troops by entering the camp of the Moro National Liberation Front on Sunday, Marine Brigadier General Ben Dolorfino said.
Pinoy Votes: Sun.Star Election 2007
Reports from the area said six Abu Sayyaf guerrillas were killed, Army spokesman Major Ernesto Torres Jr. said. No bodies were recovered, however.
The MNLF used to be the largest Muslim group fighting for a separate Islamic homeland in the southern Philippines until it settled for limited autonomy and signed a peace agreement with Manila in 1996.
However, a large Jolo-based MNLF faction continues to hold weapons and has periodically clashed with government troops. The faction, led by jailed Muslim rebel leader Nur Misuari, has been suspected in the past of supporting the Abu Sayyaf.
After the militants fled into the camp, government forces exchanged fire with the MNLF, and at least 13 soldiers were wounded, none of them critically, said Colonel Demetrio Ramon.
Almujahid Biao, MNLF co-chairman of a joint peace monitoring team, said the 30-minute clash was immediately halted and there were no reports of MNLF casualties.
"The fighting was stopped because there was communication between the two groups," Dolorfino said in a telephone interview.
"When they learned that it's the military and MNLF fighting, they immediately disengaged."
He said the MNLF members evacuated their camp and gathered by the roadside so they could easily be identified. The Abu Sayyaf militants were able to flee, he said.
A US military spokesman, Major John Redfield, said Sunday's clashes did not affect a nearby road repair project by American troops undertaking a humanitarian mission as part of annual joint military exercises with Filipino troops on Jolo.
"We had a determination to move ahead with the humanitarian projects. There was no delay, no postponement or anything like that," he said.
Dolorfino said Abu Sayyaf rebels, who suffered setbacks after their two top leaders were killed in September and January on Jolo, often seek sanctuary with the MNLF in hopes of provoking a clash between the government and the rebels.
Relations between the MNLF and the government have been rocky.
Earlier this month, Dolorfino and 19 companions were virtually held hostage for two days by MNLF guerrillas demanding more benefits under the 1996 peace accord.
The MNLF has denied striking any alliance with the Abu Sayyaf. (AP)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Baguio. (February 27, 2007 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
2006 nursing graduates must retake exams: official