Government casualties in Basilan clash. (Mindanao Examiner)
ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Oct. 18, 2011) – The Philippines’ largest Muslim rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation has accused the military of violating a fragile truce after government soldiers stormed a guerilla base in the southern province of Basilan.
“Government troops stormed our territory and a firefight ensued. The military violated the cease-fire agreement,” Von al-Haq, a spokesman for the MILF, told the Mindanao Examiner.
He said rebel forces were only defending their territory from the attack that left 5 soldiers dead and six other wounded. Seven more foot soldiers were also reported missing.
Army Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, said five soldiers were killed and six more wounded in the fighting in the town of Al-Barka.
Cabangbang said troops were patrolling the town after civilians reported the presence of gunmen when they came under fire.
“We are reacting to reports by civilians about the presence of armed men in the area. Troops came under fire and five of our soldiers were killed and six more are wounded,” Cabangbang said.
Cabangbang also denied MILF allegations that troops strayed into a rebel territory. “There is no MILF territory in Basilan. They murdered our soldiers,” he said.
The MILF is currently negotiating peace with Manila. (Mindanao Examiner)
“Government troops stormed our territory and a firefight ensued. The military violated the cease-fire agreement,” Von al-Haq, a spokesman for the MILF, told the Mindanao Examiner.
He said rebel forces were only defending their territory from the attack that left 5 soldiers dead and six other wounded. Seven more foot soldiers were also reported missing.
Army Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, said five soldiers were killed and six more wounded in the fighting in the town of Al-Barka.
Cabangbang said troops were patrolling the town after civilians reported the presence of gunmen when they came under fire.
“We are reacting to reports by civilians about the presence of armed men in the area. Troops came under fire and five of our soldiers were killed and six more are wounded,” Cabangbang said.
Cabangbang also denied MILF allegations that troops strayed into a rebel territory. “There is no MILF territory in Basilan. They murdered our soldiers,” he said.
The MILF is currently negotiating peace with Manila. (Mindanao Examiner)
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