Militants on loose after Philippines jailbreak

The New Zealand Herald (online) ^ | April 14, 2004 | staff

[Zuben Elgenubi]

Militants on loose after Philippines jailbreak

13.04.2004 4.30 am

Philippine troops killed nine prisoners and are hunting nearly a dozen suspected Islamic militants after a weekend jailbreak that has embarrassed the Government before closely contested elections.

The escape by 53 prisoners, including 23 Abu Sayyaf suspects, in a southern rebel stronghold came as a newspaper said the United States had urged the Philippines to step up its fight against terror groups.

The New York Times said US diplomats met President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last month to tell her the Government was not doing enough against terror threats, in what it said was a similar warning to that given to Indonesia before the 2002 Bali bombing.

US charge d'affairs Joseph Mussomeli denied the report, saying the meeting was a regular security briefing.

Arroyo, who has built her presidency on firm support for the US war on terror, also said there had been no reproach.

[Zuben Elgenubi]

9/53 down

[ikka]

This gives Ping Lacson and FPJ, other presidential candidates, some more ammo. Last month the outcry was over a water works company that was debt-laden, that the govt took back from a wealthy, politically-connected family/business.

[Zuben Elgenubi]

Twice in the past week. The only difference is that 9 of 50 or so were killed. Thusly, this post.

[Zuben Elgenubi]

"This gives Ping Lacson and FPJ, other presidential candidates, some more ammo. Last month the outcry was over a water works company that was debt-laden, that the govt took back from a wealthy, politically-connected family/business."

Yes, you are correct.