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.