Thousands fleeing fighting in Philippines
United Press International, ^ | July 5 | staff
MANILA, Philippines, July 5 (UPI) -- Reports from the southern Philippines say some 3,000 people have fled their homes amid fighting between government troops, militias and Muslim insurgents.
The fighting in Maguindanao province over the past week left more than 40 people dead, The Manila Times reported Tuesday. It also endangered negotiations between Manila and the Moro National Liberation Front.
Those long-standing talks were expected to produce a final peace accord by September.
New reports say the MNLF has blamed military backed militias loyal to the provincial governor for the violence, which they claim was in retaliation for a roadside bombing last month that killed five people. The target of the bombing was allegedly the governor.
"The attacks on the MILF are clearly in retaliation for the killings of the 5 people in which the MILF had no connection," an MNLF leader was quoted as saying.
A MNLF spokesman was quoted as saying the fighting began when militias, backed by army artillery fire, attacked a MNLF camp.
The MNLF, a separatist group, said their forces have been ordered to stay in their camps in the province and only use fight to defend themselves.
In addition to Muslim separatists, the Philippines is also fighting a communist insurgency. |
