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Friday, July 27, 2007
Thousands flee Basilan town
By Bong Garcia
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Thousands of civilians have left their homes after government announced "selective attacks" against Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members behind the killing of 14 Marines in the province of Basilan.
The evacuees are from the six barangays of the newly created town of Al-Barka, where the military is launching its attacks against rebel forces.
Arroyo Watch: Sun.Star blog on President Arroyo
Government forces earlier gave the MILF until last Sunday to give up those behind the death of the 14 Marines, 10 of whom were mutilated, or face an offensive.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DSWD-Armm) said more than 1,000 families composed of 5,321 individuals have already evacuated to safer areas.
The 14 Marines were among troops involved in rescue efforts for Fr. Giancarlo Bossi and were checking reported sighting of the Italian priest in a Basilan town when they were ambushed on July 10 in Al-Barka.
Most of the evacuees are housed in evacuation centers while the others sought refuge with relatives living in other areas.
The DSWD-Armm said they only managed to render assistance to 400 evacuees.
It said the number of evacuees might increase in the coming days. (Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Davao. (July 27, 2007 issue)
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