Philippine troops clash with Muslim rebels who defied ultimatum

North Cotabato: Philippine soldiers on Sunday clashed with Muslim rebels who have defied an ultimatum to withdraw from Christian farms in the Mindanao region.

Police Senior Superintendent Casimiro Medes said at least two army soldiers were wounded by snipers of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Pikit, North Cotabato.

The government had given about 800 Muslim rebels until Friday to vacate several villages they had occupied in violation of a 2003 cease-fire.

The military says several hundred guerrillas have continued to occupy townships after the government's Friday deadline, but that they are considered bandits.