Free Republic

MANILA: The Philippine president on Monday condemned as terrorism an attack by Muslim separatists that killed 27 people, and officials issued a bounty on heads of the rebel leaders, days before scheduled government-rebel talks. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front took 57 hostages in an attack Sunday on Siocon town, seized the town hall and a hospital, and torched a market. The government regained control of the town later that day and all but three hostages have been released, said Philippine military spokesman Lt. Col. Daniel Lucero. The hostages were ``evidently to be used as human shields,'' said Lt. Gen. Rodolfo...