Posted on 08/09/2007 11:46:14 PM PDT by happinesswithoutpeace
'Fifty dead' in Philippines clash
More than 50 people have been killed in clashes between troops and Islamist militants in the southern Philippines, military officials say.
The fighting, on Jolo island, began on Thursday when militants ambushed a military convoy, killing 10 soldiers.
Fifteen more soldiers died in later gun battles, and at least 27 militants were killed, the military said.
It blamed Islamic militant group Abu Sayyaf and rogue elements in the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
Thousands of Philippine troops, backed by US military trainers, are based in Jolo, some 950km (600 miles) south of the capital, Manila.
They have been fighting Islamist militants affiliated to various groups who have been hiding in the island's mountainous terrain for several months.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.bbc.co.uk ...
Two more PA army battalions are being sent in.
Ahem, "Interesting developments" - to say the least.
The only point of concern might be that the Abu Sayyaf seems to have some help from elements of the MNLF, which operates in brigade strength in several parts of Mindanao. (That's the large island just north of the archipelago Jolo is a part of). While the bulk of the MNLF will likely remain on board with the peace process, it's never a good sign when a portion breaks off and helps out with extremists like the ASG.
They’ve been infected by Islam, perhaps even completely polluted beyond hope by the Bedouin Muhammadan gene pool.
There is only one sure-fire way to stop these murdering animals from infecting other Islands in the Philippines, Sterilize the place.
Only for as long as it suits them- until they rearm and regain strength. This is Islam we are dealing with, and there's no reason to expect this group to be any different than any other in the world, now and throughout history to the time of it's founding by Mohammad.
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