|
Clashes in Southern Philippines
ZAMBOANGA, Philippines, Nov 27 (News Agencies) - One person was killed and nine injured when fighting broke out Tuesday between the military and followers of a Muslim leader in the southern Philippines, officials said.
Radio reports said the gunmen had taken several Christian hostages, some of whom escaped and told officials they were threatened with harm unless the army backed off.
Military spokesman Brigadier General Edilberto Adan said the "Misuari renegade group", who fired rounds of mortar, instigated the fighting and gunfire from the Cabatangan complex shortly before 4.00 am (2000 GMT).
The gunmen had occupied the area last week after Misuari launched a failed revolt in Jolo island that left more than 100 people dead.
"Our emergency units are also on alert; the Department of Health and the hospitals in Zamboanga city are taking in the wounded. I heard there was one civilian killed and at least nine others wounded," Adan said over DZRH radio in Manila.
"We are calling on Zamboanga residents to stay home and not to go out. Do not let strangers in," Adan said.
Six military bombers and two MG-520 attack helicopters launched airstrikes against rebel positions, triggering massive explosions.
Misuari's followers have been staging the standoff with the military after his short-lived revolt in the southern island of Jolo last week.
"They were given a chance to leave the area peacefully," Adan said. "But they started firing this morning. The government now has the responsibility to protect the area and maintain that the situation is under control."
"The government will do what is should to crush the elements that could damage stability in Zamboanga," he said.
Adan said up to 200 Misuari followers had been holed up in Cabatangan since last week, although the military's southern command said Monday that only 60 were left after some surrendered after Misuari's failed revolt.
The gunmen had stockpiled firearms in the area, Adan said.
June Fernandez, a watchman in a village near the complex about five kilometers (about three miles) from the city, told Agence France-Presse (AFP): "The Misuari forces started the fighting by throwing grenades and the military had to fire back."
Zamboanga Mayor Maria Clara Lobrega said the rebels "were throwing grenades everywhere".
Schools in Zamboanga suspended classes while Philippine Airlines cancelled flights from Manila to this southern port city. Cabatangan is a hilltop complex a few kilometers (miles) from the airport.
"I urge everybody to stay calm and stay home," Lobregat said.
Officials here said the fighting spilled over to nearby villages, forcing several hundred people to leave their homes.
Regional military chief Lieutenant General Roy Cimatu earlier said about 40 of Misuari's followers had abandoned the complex, turning in their guns to a custodian. It was not clear how many remained at the site.
Misuari, the former governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Muindanao (ARMM), fled to neighboring Malaysia where he was arrested and is awaiting deportation home to be tried on charges of rebellion, which carries a maximum 20-year jail term.
Relatively peaceful polls were held in the autonomous area covering five provinces on Monday to choose a new ARMM governor.
|
