I always thought that the Phillistines were the same as the Phoenecians. I don't know if that is an established link, or just the Theory-of-the-Day.
You are correct about the Phonecians being considered the direct forefathers of the Phillistines. There are numerous references in ancient writings of 'the sea people.' along the eastern mediterranean shores.
I've always wondered if the wandering Phillistine/Phonecians might have migrated from further north--but I'm sure that this has been investigated through the archeological evidence of pot sherds and other artifacts. I bet sunkenciv knows and will give us the straight dope.
The Phoenicians were Semitic, and the Philistines were something else again. Hurrian names are found in the textual references to the Philistines (who AFAIK left no archives that have been found).