30 MILF rebels killed in Maguindanao

MANILA, Philippines – A total of 30 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels were killed as fighting between government security forces and Muslim guerrillas in Maguindanao entered its third day yesterday.

Lt. Col. Jonathan Ponce, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao, said the latest round of fighting occurred in Barangay Muti, Guindulungan town where government troops dislodged the MILF from their defensive encampment with heavy artillery and air strikes.

Ponce said the three days of fighting that erupted since Thursday has already left 30 MILF rebels killed and 20 wounded.

Five soldiers were also wounded during the operations to seize the rebel camp.

Ponce said troops were able to capture the MILF camp being used by the rebels to derail ongoing military operations. – Jaime Laude