Residents flee Sulu as Marines gear for offensive

Manila: Residents are reportedly fleeing Sulu as Marines build up forces ahead of an all-out offensive against the renegade Moro and Abu Sayyaf rebels responsible for the October 3 attack that killed two American soldiers.

Moro gunmen planted a roadside explosive device that destroyed a military vehicle and killed a Philippine Marine and two US Navy construction brigade (Sea Bees) personnel.

A report posted on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)'s Luwaran website said the Marines were increasing the presence on the southern island outpost. Two navy landing ships brought in troops and supplies as well as military hardware for the campaign.

The army had reportedly imposed a news blackout on the developments unfolding in the island.

The Sea Bees have been in Sulu since 2006, taking part in humanitarian projects. Aside from the Sea Bees, a heavily armed contingent that is backed by US Navy ships is providing security for American personnel on the island.

Responsibility

Several days after the attack, a group claiming to be allied with the faction of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and a group calling itself the Bangsamoro National Liberation Army (BNLA) claimed responsibility for the attack.

Madarang Sali, deputy commander of the Bangsamoro National Liberation Army, said the attack was in retaliation to the continued operations by the US and Philippines' forces against the MNLF in the southern province of Sulu.