Guns, clans, rogue Muslim rebels undermine south Philippine peace
- 11 years ago
ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)
STORY: Security forces on Sunday continued operations to contain Muslim rebels after a week of violence in the southern Philippines that has killed at least 61 people and sent thousands fleeing.
Philippines army spokesman Ramon Zagala told reporters at a news conference in Zamboanga City that the army's top priority was keeping civilians safe.
More than 62,000 people have been displaced by the fighting which entered its 7th day on Sunday, hundreds of homes razed, a hospital burned down and civilians used as human shields by the rebels holding them hostage.
Sporadic firing resumed early morning at two districts in the southern Philippine City of Zamboanga as government troops moved to clear the rebels out of the villages. Houses were burned and explosions were heard during the gunfight.
Officials said several of the hostages had escaped their captors during the firefight.
The army said that at least 100 residents wer
STORY: Security forces on Sunday continued operations to contain Muslim rebels after a week of violence in the southern Philippines that has killed at least 61 people and sent thousands fleeing.
Philippines army spokesman Ramon Zagala told reporters at a news conference in Zamboanga City that the army's top priority was keeping civilians safe.
More than 62,000 people have been displaced by the fighting which entered its 7th day on Sunday, hundreds of homes razed, a hospital burned down and civilians used as human shields by the rebels holding them hostage.
Sporadic firing resumed early morning at two districts in the southern Philippine City of Zamboanga as government troops moved to clear the rebels out of the villages. Houses were burned and explosions were heard during the gunfight.
Officials said several of the hostages had escaped their captors during the firefight.
The army said that at least 100 residents wer