Philippine forces hunt for guerrillas

Philippine forces hunt for guerrillas

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (DPA): Government forces occupied yesterday a camp of the most violent Moslem rebel group on the southern Philippine island of Basilan in an intensified manhunt for the guerrillas who killed seven hostages.

Brig. Gen. Dominador Resos, a regional police chief on the southern island of Mindanao, said the Abu Sayyaf lair was located on the outskirts of the Basilan capital of Isabela, 915 kilometers south of Manila.

Resos said the camp, equipped with training facilities, was one of Abu Sayyaf's biggest lairs ever discovered by the military. It had bunkers and foxholes that could accommodate more than 50 people.

While the camp was deserted when police and military troops stormed the area, Resos said, "There is no letup in our operation. Police and military commandos are tracking down the Abu Sayyaf."