Muslim separatist guerrillas attacked a largely-Christian village in the southern province of Lanao del Sur, killing three people and wounding five others, a military spokesman said here Saturday.
Fifty guerrillas of the Muslim separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) attacked the town of Balabagan on Friday, firing rockets and automatic rifles, killing three civilians and wounding others, Colonel Hilario Atendido said.
The guerrillas burned down three of the village houses and looted residents of food before fleeing the area, the colonel added.
It is believed that the MILF are trying to drive civilians out of the area to tighten their control over the territory.
Newly-installed President Gloria Arroyo has said she wishes to resume peace negotiations with the 13,000-strong MILF following a breakdown in peace talks under her predecessor Joseph Estrada last year -- ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP)
