RP rebels kill two civilians

RP rebels kill two civilians

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): Two civilians were killed in a raid by Muslim separatists in the southern Philippines, violating a truce amid peace talks being held in Malaysia, the military said Wednesday.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) guerrillas swooped on Tuesday on a small village in Alamada town in North Cotabato province and indiscriminately fired on farmers' huts, the military said.

"They shot dead at least two civilians who were fleeing from their homes before retreating to the hinterlands," local army spokesman Major Julieto Ando said.

The military immediately set up detachments in nearby villages to thwart further attacks, Ando said.

"We do not want civilians to be target boards of the rebels and the army has beefed-up patrols in many far-flung areas in central (Mindanao) where terrorists are believed to be still hiding," Ando said.