32 killed in RP rebel war

32 killed in RP rebel war

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (AP): About 30 Muslim separatist rebels and two government soldiers were killed in heavy fighting Thursday in the southern Philippines that threatened planned peace talks, officials said.

At least five other soldiers were critically wounded, regional military spokesman Maj. Salih Indanan said.

President Joseph Estrada, visiting a nearby province, warned the rebels that he will scrap the peace talks if they continue attacking military camps.

Estrada pledged, however, to pursue peace on the embattled island of Mindanao and urged both government troops and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerrillas to stop fighting immediately and join the peace process.