16 civilians killed in Muslim rebel attacks in Philippines: AFP

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

ILIGAN, Philippines (AFP) — At least 16 civilians were found dead Monday, many with their bodies hacked by machetes, after Muslim separatist rebels launched a wave of attacks in the southern Philippines, AFP reporters said.

Nine bodies were lying bloodied by a roadside in the village of Lapayan in Kauswagan town as black smoke billowed from houses burning in the background, they said.

Five other civilians were killed in another village by the marauding Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels, residents fleeing the area told AFP.

Many other civilians were wounded as they tried to catch the last vehicles leaving the area.

Another rebel unit struck the town of Maasim, leaving two civilians dead as they ransacked a pawnshop and looted a drug store...