Clash between Filipino rebels, rivals kills 11
MANILA » The Philippine military says 11 people were killed, including 10 supporters of a southern provincial governor, in a clash between Muslim rebels and the politicians over fishing grounds.
Officials say the fighting Sunday involved supporters of Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, whose relatives were among 58 people massacred by a rival clan in 2009 in the country’s worst election-related violence in recent history.
Military spokesman Col. Prudencio Asto said Monday that local officials, including Mangudadatu’s relatives, were attacked by about 100 Muslim rebels while inspecting a road project near Lake Buluan.
Rebel leader Mohagher Iqbal says guerrillas and villagers are locked in a land dispute and oppose the road project.