Cotabato (Philippines), Mar 14: About 20 Muslim separatists were killed in fighting today with government troops around a fallen rebel enclave in the southern Philippines, a local commander said, as mediator Libya called for a cease-fire. Libyan ambassador Salem Adam, whose government has helped foster previous talks between manila and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said an immediate stop in fighting could pave the way for resumption of negotiations. Adam said he was "optimistic" the government and the MILF will come to terms and resume negotiations. "There is also a need for a cease-fire. We are recommending that," he said after donating medicine and food to some of 40,000 evacuees from the fighting in Pikit town, 45 kilometres east of southern Cotabato city.
Troops clashed today with MILF fighters blocking a highway in Aleosan town near Pikit, killing an estimated 20 rebels, local military commander Colonel Carduzo Luna said. A few hours later, MILF rebels blasted a power pylon in Aleosan, plunging the province of Maguindanao and nearby areas into darkness, Luna added.
Bureau Report