At least 16 Muslim separatists from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have been killed in air strikes by the military in the southern Philippines, rebel and army spokesmen said. Army officials said the raids, which took place took place on the island of Mindanao, were carried out to prevent the rebels regaining territory around the town of Pikit, which was captured by the army last month. The renewed fighting came as President Gloria Arroyo sent a special envoy to meet Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in the hope of restarting peace talks with the rebels. The envoy, ex-foreign secretary Roberto Romulo, is expected to discuss Malaysia’s offer to act as host for the talks. On Wednesday President Arroyo confirmed that fighting had restarted in the Buliok enclave, near the town of Pikit. Full Story
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