COTABATO, Philippines, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Muslim rebels in the southern Philippines attacked a military position on Thursday and engaged in gun battle as peace talk's resumption remained stalled.
At least 20 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) guerillas led by a commander, Pail Bajali, stormed the detachment of state militias around 10:00 a.m. in Sukaten village of Sumisip, Basilan province, said ground military commander Col. Nicanor Dolojan.
A firefight ensued, leaving casualties on the rebel's side.
"There were no reported casualties on the government side. Our men from the Special Operation Task Frock launch a pursuit operation," Dolojan said.
Earlier, the rebel's leader, Murad Ebrahim, has expressed skepticism about their chances in forging a peace agreement.
Ebrahim said the MILF has not seen any sign of the government' s capability to offer a lasting solution to the Moro problem.
He said that on the contrary, the peace talks "are becoming a counter-insurgency tool."
The MILF has been fighting government troops for decades in a bid to establish a self-rule Muslim state in the south of the predominantly Catholic country.
Links:
[1] http://www.expat-advisory.com/articles/103
[2] http://www.expat-advisory.com/articles/664
[3] http://www.xinhuanet.com