23 dead in fighting in Philippines

At least 23 fighters were killed in clash between two Muslim rebel factions in the southern Philippines that started early this week, a military report said Saturday. The fighting erupted Tuesday between the main Moro Islamic Liberation Front and a group led by rogue MILF commander Umbra Kato, the report said.
More than 2,500 people have fled their homes in the towns of Datu Piang and Guindulungan town in Maguindanao province, 960 kilometres south of Manila, where the clashes were concentrated. The report said supporters of Kato were killed and 9 were killed from the side of the MILF rebels. It said the MILF appeared to be gaining headway and had driven the rival faction from its position in Datu Piang. "The MILF forces continued to advance while the rival group was on the retreat," said a military officer who requested anonymity.