MNLF attacks rival faction

MNLF attacks rival faction

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): The Philippines' main Moro insurgent group, involved in peace talks with the government, attacked a rival faction which is not participating in the talks, a military spokesman said yesterday.

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fired four mortar rounds at a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camp in Palayan town, 250 kms east of here, Maj. Fredesvindo Covarrubias said. He said the MILF, an offshoot of the MNLF, didn't fire back.

The MNLF led a bloody campaign for a separate state for Moslems in the 1970s but have since signed a cease-fire with the government.

Last week, it took part in peace talks in Jakarta for the creation of a special autonomous area for the Philippines' Moslem minority.