Manila wins one against rebels

Manila wins one against rebels

MANILA (AFP): Philippine Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado raised the country's flag over a war-torn highway and declared it cleared of occupying rebels in a show of triumph in the southern island of Mindanao.

"The highway is set to be opened to the public next week," Mercado said after awarding medals to troops who helped clear the Narciso Ramos highway of fighters from the Muslim separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in weeks of fighting.

Troops in Maguindanao province continued to scour the area of MILF fighters as Mercado and military chief Gen. Angelo Reyes toured the area where fighting had raged a few days ago.

Clashes broke out late last month when the military set out to clear the highway of MILF forces who were extorting money from motorists.