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.