RP clashes force thousands to flee

RP clashes force thousands to flee

COTABATO, Philippines (AFP): Up to 20,000 people have left their homes in the southern Philippines as fighting between Muslim separatists and government troops entered its second day on Tuesday, officials said.

Governor Emmanuel Pinol of North Cotabato province said the evacuees were being looked after by social workers in town squares and schools.

A government health officer and several other families were also trapped on Tuesday in a village near the town of Carmen, where clashes between Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) guerrillas and government troops raged.

Fighting erupted Monday when MILF rebels ambushed an armored troop transporter dispatched to check on reports that the guerrillas were harassing villagers and pro-government militias.

Two soldiers and six guerrillas were killed in that ambush.