9 Killed in Rebel Attacks in Philippines -- New York TimesMANILA — Rebels in the southern Philippines staged a series of attacks this week that left at least nine civilians dead, in what appeared to be an effort to pressure the government to restart negotiations that have been stalled for months, analysts said Friday.
On Tuesday, members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front — the main group that has been fighting for Muslim self-rule in the predominantly Roman Catholic region of Mindanao since the 1970s — attacked villages in Sultan Kudarat township, killing nine civilians and wounding more, the military said. The next day, Christmas Eve, it was reported that the rebels staged another attack, in the town of Alamada.
“The attacks came while the people were setting off firecrackers,” said Ernesto Concepcion, mayor of Alamada, ABS-CBN television said. “The attackers timed their attacks during the revelry.”
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More News On The Civil War In The South Philippines
Fighting flares in southern Philippines -- International Herald Tribune
Ten killed in Muslim rebels attacks in Philippines: military -- AFP
Separatist rebels launches serial attacks in S. Philippines -- China View
Philippine military says wanted rebel leader killed -- China View
