RP rebels seize two villages

RP rebels seize two villages

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): Separatist guerrillas have seized control of two southern Philippine villages and are extorting money from motorists, a military spokesman said on Tuesday.

The southern Philippines military command has ordered the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to dismantle outposts and roadblocks near the town of Kauswagan, spokesman Col. Horacio Lapinid told reporters.

The MILF, engaged in peace talks with the government, set up a detachment and roadblocks in the villages of Inudaran and Paiton on Sunday manned by about 40 guerrillas, he said.

Peace talks between Manila and the MILF were deadlocked last week when the government refused an MILF demand that it recognize 46 guerrilla-held areas, including its camp in Buldon.

However, the MILF leadership later helped negotiate with bandits for the release on Monday of kidnapped Italian priest Luciano Benedetti after 68 days held hostage by the bandits.