Talks in peril as Philippine troops hunt Muslim rebels

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

ILIGAN, Philippines (AFP) — Troops on Tuesday stepped up a manhunt for Muslim separatist rebels after a murderous rampage in the southern Philippines left 38 people dead and threw peace negotiations into chaos.

Hundreds of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels attacked towns in Lanao del Norte and Sarangani provinces Monday, looting businesses, burning houses and taking dozens of people hostage.

The near-simultaneous raids began at dawn, triggering intense gun battles in the mostly Christian towns of Kolambugan and Kauswagan that raged until noon.

Villagers were trickling back into their devastated communities Tuesday, only to find debris where their houses once stood.

Some civilians were seen arming themselves with machetes and guns to fight...