Philippine Islamic militants prepare for war
Monday, 23 July 2007
MANILA, July 22(AFP): Muslim separatist rebels said today they were prepared to engage the Philippine military in an all-out war, saying they would not surrender those behind the deadly ambush of 14 Marines last week.
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters on Basilan island "will defend themselves to the death," rebel spokesman Eid Kabalu said, stressing they had the right to defend themselves.
"They will live and die in Basilan. The MILF is prepared for any eventuality while staying on a defensive mode," Kabalu told AFP by phone from his base in the southern Philippines.
Armed forces chief General Hermogenes Esperon had given the MILF until the end of Sunday to turn over those behind the deaths of the Marines, 10 of whom were beheaded and mutilated, or face a military offensive.
The Marines were on a search mission for kidnapped Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi when they were ambushed by MILF rebels.
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters on Basilan island "will defend themselves to the death," rebel spokesman Eid Kabalu said, stressing they had the right to defend themselves.
"They will live and die in Basilan. The MILF is prepared for any eventuality while staying on a defensive mode," Kabalu told AFP by phone from his base in the southern Philippines.
Armed forces chief General Hermogenes Esperon had given the MILF until the end of Sunday to turn over those behind the deaths of the Marines, 10 of whom were beheaded and mutilated, or face a military offensive.
The Marines were on a search mission for kidnapped Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi when they were ambushed by MILF rebels.