RP sends fresh troops to take on MNLF<\/p>\n
Associated Press, Zamboanga, Philippines<\/p>\n
About 1,500 troops set sail for battle with forces loyal to a
\nrenegade Moro governor on Friday as authorities prepared for
\nMonday's elections to choose the governor's successor.<\/p>\n
The three infantry battalions in full battle gear were left
\nZamboanga city aboard transport ships Friday for Jolo island,
\nabout 940 kilometers south of Manila.<\/p>\n
About 5,000 soldiers backed by bomber aircraft and artillery
\nare already on the island, fighting forces loyal to Nur Misuari,
\nthe governor of the Muslim autonomous region in the southern
\nPhilippines.<\/p>\n
Amid the tension, election officials still tentatively plan to
\nhold elections Nov. 26 for Misuari's successor.<\/p>\n
But Elections Commissioner Luzviminda Tancangco said recent
\nfighting has displaced thousands of people in the region and fear
\nof more clashes will likely keep turnout low among the 1.1
\nmillion eligible voters.<\/p>\n
\"When people get displaced and people get worried, would
\nelections be their primary consideration?\" said Tancangco.<\/p>\n
She said people in remote areas, weakened by Ramadhan holy
\nmonth fasting, may also refuse to walk 10 kilometers or more to
\ntheir nearest polling station.<\/p>\n
The elections are to be held in the southern provinces of Tawi
\nTawi, Basilan, Sulu, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and in Marawi
\nCity -which are members of the Autonomous Region in Muslim
\nMindanao (ARMM), a regional Muslim government with limited
\nautonomy from Manila.<\/p>\n
Earlier on Friday, three people were wounded when man lobbed a
\nhand grenade at a regional elections office in Cotabato City in
\nMaguindanao province, said army spokesman Maj. Julieto Ando.<\/p>\n
On Thursday, the Philippine military bombed several suspected
\nhide-outs of Misuari supporters as the death toll in the four-day
\nconflict rose to more than 100, said Brig. Gen. Edilberto Adan.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/rp-sends-fresh-troops-to-take-on-mnlf-1447893297",
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