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November 27, 2000, The Philippine Star, Scores killed as soldiers retake MILF camp, by Roel Pareño, John Unson,
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Scores of rebels were believed killed after government troops overran a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) training camp in Butig town in Lanao del Sur Saturday afternoon. Col. Hilario Atendido, spokesman for the Armed Forces Southern Command, told reporters yesterday government troops were able to retake Camp Bushra following five days of running gun battles that began with heavy artillery bombardment last Monday.
"An intercepted enemy message indicated many guerrillas were killed and wounded in the shelling," he said. "Troops shelled and assaulted the place and eventually occupied again the area from MILF forces." However, Atendido said the number of fatalities could have risen last Saturday after Camp Bushra was retaken by government troops.
An MILF official said guerrillas also killed more than 20 soldiers during the clashes, a claim dismissed by Atendido as propaganda. Atendido said there was no actual body count, but messages intercepted on radio and "bloodstains all over the place" indicated scores of rebels had been wounded or killed.
Atendido said Scout Rangers penetrated the MILF's main position by late Saturday after seven hours of bombardment, and that troops recovered from the scene assorted firearms, including anti-tank rockets and machineguns, and ammunition. Peace talks between the government and MILF collapsed early this year.
Meanwhile, the Army's 6th Infantry Division has tightened security in Central Mindanao in anticipation of suicide attacks by MILF guerrillas during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drinks and sex.
Brig. Gen. Roy Kyamko, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, told reporters yesterday Muslim religious leaders and local officials will try to convince MILF guerrillas not to disrupt peace in their communities during Ramadan.
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