Philippines: Muslim rebels use villagers as shields

Hizballah did this in Lebanon against Israel. Here is one reason why they may feel free to do this. ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP) - Muslim insurgents used villagers as shields to evade pursuing Philippine soldiers on Saturday, leaving one dead and five wounded, military officials said.

The gunmen, consisting of members of Abu Sayyaf and rogue elements of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) also suffered a number of casualties as they were seen dragging away their dead and wounded from the site, the officials added.

The fighting in the southern island of Jolo broke out after residents of Kalingalang Caluang town reported the presence of the rebels to the military, regional commander Major General Nelson Allaga said.

When the troops arrived "the rogue rebels and the Abu Sayyaf used the civilians as shields in their retreat", Allaga added.

One soldier was killed and one soldier and four civilians were wounded in the fighting. The wounded civilians were immediately airlifted to a hospital, said Major General Reuben Rafael, head of a special anti-terror task force.

The gunmen later released their hostages, allowing the military to pursue them with helicopter gunships, said Allaga.

Posted by Robert at December 22, 2007 10:07 PM
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If any Filipino person is reading this: know that this Australian Christian prays regularly for your country's government and army, for their victory against the Jihad. Remember: the Spanish who came to your country, who gave you your Catholic faith, had themselves resisted Jihad for centuries, and prevailed, though not without grievous spiritual wounding.

Know that I pray also for your Christian evangelists - Catholic and Protestant both - in their outreach to the Muslims of the Philippines; for unless your government decides to expel the Muslim population, or subjects them to the strict controls the Singaporeans have instituted, a large-scale and genuine conversion of the Islamised peoples is your best hope for a long-term peace.

My government, and my church, need to help you: we are the strongest and best-resourced non-Muslim Christian-majority country in the region, and our citizens have been intermarrying busily with yours, an alliance makes all kinds of sense. I don't know how to persuade my country to increase the help that we give. I will do what I can.

Filipino lurkers - please step out on the comments floor and start giving us your reading of news items like this one, we need to hear from you.
Posted by: dumbledoresarmy [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 22, 2007 11:07 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Dipolog Medical College To Train Government Troops Against Muslims

by Aledo Uy

"It's an exciting new day," says Alberto Concha, President of Dipolog Medical College. He is hopeful about new educational offerings at his school. Dipolog Medical College has already begun training Philippine Army Troops in support of a massive build-up against Muslim rebels. "We must help our government defeat all Muslims and those who hate our way of life."

"We stand firm in our resolve to eliminate the threat to the City of Dipolog, to Zamboanga del Norte, and to the Philippines." Indeed, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo praises the Concha family for their firm stand against these Muslim Terrorists. "We need more businessmen like the Conchas to stand up and fight for our country in these perilous times."

MuslimWatch, a third party monitoring group has confirmed the presence of Philippine Military Advisors at the small Dipolog City school. One Army General, who refused to be identified, says, "We're here in a safe place, at a safe institution, so that we may train our troops in counter-insurgency tactics. The school is an excellent provider of services through their police education program. We're delighted to have the support of the Concha family."

Alberto Concha says, "We will do everything to help our government defeat these rebels. Our police graduates are helping the military in their training, and we will continue to do so until 2010."