World | Philippines
Fourteen killed in two clashes between government and rebels
Fourteen people, three of them soldiers and 11 members of a major separatist group, were killed during two separate clashes in the southern Philippines that began since Sunday, sources said in belated reports on Tuesday.
- By Barbara Mae, Dacanay Bureau Chief
- Published: 23:40 November 18, 2008
Manila: Fourteen people, three of them soldiers and 11 members of a major separatist group, were killed during two separate clashes in the southern Philippines that began since Sunday, sources said in belated reports on Tuesday.
Three soldiers and eight members of the renegade Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were killed during a clash near Mamasapano town in Cotabato Province on Sunday evening, said mayor Akmad Tato Ampatuan of Mamasapano town.
"The MILF rebels attacked an army base in Mamasapano, while the soldiers were eating dinner," said Ampatuan, adding that eight MILF rebels were subsequently killed when government troops retaliated in clashes that spilled until Sunday.
Troops recovered two automatic rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, MILF uniforms, and ammunition after the attacking MILF rebels escaped to unknown destination, said local army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Julieto Ando.
They belonged to the command of renegade MILF commander Abdullah Macapaar alias Commander Bravo, who led attacks against Christian towns in the south last August, said Ando, adding that Bravo is now in hiding.
Meanwhile, three other renegade MILF rebels were killed during a clash with government soldiers in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, on November 16, said Lieutenant Colonel Romeo Brawner, Jr.
They were identified as Samir Udtog, Maula Pegkaulan, and Sadt Abdullah. Two rebels and two government soldiers were also injured during the same clash.
After the fire-fight, troops recovered an M14 rifle with damaged barrel due to mortar shrapnel, Brawner said.
Army's Bravo Company of 46th Infantry Battalion led the attack on the camp of MILF renegade chief Umbra Kato. He had led the pillaging of Christian towns in Maguindanao last August, said Brawner.
The renegade MILF rebels escaped to an unknown destination. Commander Kato was limited to hide in three towns in Maguindanao, said Brawner.
Military commands have continued pursuing the renegade MILF commanders, said Brawner, adding, "the military will not stop until the most wanted MILF renegade fighters are apprehended."
- with inputs from Rafael Juan, Correspondent
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