Fighting intensifies in southern Philippines: military

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP) — Fighting between Islamic rebels and Philippine troops intensified Sunday, dimming hopes of renewed peace talks with the southern separatists, government and military officials said.

More than 100 Muslim fighters have been killed in four days of clashes with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Mindanao island, said military spokesman Colonel Julieto Ando.

About 90,000 people have been displaced by the upsurge in fighting, according to local and foreign relief agencies operating in the region where government troops have battled insurgents for 40 years.

"Fighting intensified overnight with battles raging near the towns of Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Datu Piang, all in Maguindanao province," said Ando, who blamed recent rebels...