Philippine Troops Continue Assault on Muslim Rebels
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ZAMBOANGA, Philippines — Government troops continued an offensive Sunday against Muslim rebels who allegedly abducted a 4-year-old girl in a southern town, forcing many villagers to flee, officials said.
At least 14 rebels and two soldiers have been killed in clashes since the military launched air and ground assaults Wednesday against the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front, or MILF, in Basilan province’s hinterland town of Tipo-Tipo, the military said.
The military started the offensive against the MILF after negotiations by the family for the release of the girl, Wilmarie Furigay, broke down. The child is the granddaughter of a former mayor of Lamitan.
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