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Fighting between Islamic rebels and Philippine troops intensified Sunday, dimming hopes of renewed peace talks with the southern separatists, government and military officials


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More than 100 Muslim fighters have been killed in four days of clashes with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Mindanao island, said military spokesman Colonel Julieto Ando.

About 90,000 people have been displaced by the upsurge in fighting, according to local and foreign relief agencies operating in the region where government troops have battled insurgents for 40 years.

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'Fighting intensified overnight with battles raging near the towns of Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Datu Piang, all in Maguindanao province, ' said Ando, who blamed recent rebels attacks for the deteriorating situation.

'We have done our best to embrace peace, but the MILF started the hostilities by pillaging villages and murdering innocent civilians in Mindanao, ' Ando said.

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'Now we are implementing the full force of the law and we will arrest those responsible for the traitorous attacks against civilians.'

The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) said Sunday that more than 240,000 people have been displaced since the fighting began two weeks ago.

The NDCC put the number killed in two weeks at 50, conflicting with military figures.

Glenn Rabonza, NDCC executive officer, said nearly 100 evacuation centres have been set up across the affected areas in Mindanao.

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