Philippine military to continue offensive

MANILA, Philippines, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- The Philippine military Wednesday vowed to continue its offensive against Muslim separatists following several attacks in southern Mindanao this week.

Fighting between the military and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has escalated after the Philippine Supreme Court blocked a deal to widen the Muslim autonomous zone on Mindanao island and end years of separatist violence.

The court blocked the deal after objections from Christian communities in the region.

In the latest incidents, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. accused MILF Commanders Bravo and Kato of committing atrocities in Lanao del Norte, Saranggani and North Cotabato regions, ABS-CBN television reported. Several people reportedly died in the violence Monday.

"They (the commanders) are being pursued and they must be tried in accordance with our criminal justice system. And this is the intent of our operations," he said.

MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim urged the military to end its offensive, saying the rebel attacks resulted from "frustration of MILF ground commanders" over the court decision, the report said.

The rebels have been fighting for self-rule since1978. A cease-fire signed in 2003 has led to talks between the two sides.