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Thursday, April 12, 2007
6 killed, thousands flee as fighting rages in Sulu
By Bong Garcia
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Thousands of people fled their homes after fighting erupted between followers of two politicians and policemen backed by paramilitary troops in the island town of Tongkil in Sulu, authorities said Wednesday.
A paramilitary trooper, who is with the Civilian Volunteers' Organization (CVO), and five of the politician's followers were reportedly killed in the clashes.
Pinoy Votes: Sun.Star Election 2007 Coverage
The fighting reportedly started when a hundred gunmen, allegedly backers of a Tongkil mayoralty bet and his running mate, attacked the village of Sagumbal, burning houses and a protestant church, at around 2 a.m. Monday.
The gunmen proceeded to the town center and sprayed with automatic gunfire the town hall where the policemen and paramilitary troopers are stationed.
Authorities responded, resulting in sporadic fighting that continued even until Wednesday, said the report.
People who fled the scene of the fighting, many among them women and children, are temporarily housed in schools while some fled to as far as Zamboanga City for safety.
Tongkil Mayor Wahid Sahidulla appealed to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to assist the evacuees.
The attackers are reportedly holding camp in barangays Sigumbal, Duhul Sagih, and Mamad Island in Tongkil, Sulu.
Commanders Saharan and Bantil, who are backing the candidacies of Sahibul and Omar--who are running for mayor and vice mayor, respectively, are reportedly leading the attackers. (Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Dumaguete. (April 12, 2007 issue)
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