Hundreds of marines sailed Tuesday to reinforce troops in the southern Philippines following fighting with followers of a jailed Muslim leader that killed at least 17 soldiers and as many as 30 rebels, officials said. Lt. Gen. Alberto Braganza, commander of the military’s Southern Command, said air force helicopters and planes also were sent to bombard gunmen holed up in Panamao on Jolo island. He said up to 600 marines were heading to Jolo from southern Zamboanga city. “They have asked for it and we’ll give it to them,” Braganza said. The clashes erupted Monday when 500 fighters loyal to jailed leader Nur Misuari attacked government troops following an assault on their stronghold near Panamao, where guerrillas of the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf movement had allegedly sought refuge, the military said. Full Story
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