By Xinhua,
Manila : Fighting erupted Sunday between Muslim rebels and Philippine government soldiers in Basilan island in Mindanao, southern Philippines, forcing civilians to flee their homes, reported local television network GMA News.
The clash broke out near the village of Baguindan in Tipo-Tipo town, scene of a recent fighting between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and government forces, said the report.
The MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal has accused government soldiers of attacking MILF positions in Tipo-Tipo town, sparking the fight, said the report.
Tension has been rising between MILF and government forces after Malaysia announced its plan to withdraw peace monitors from Mindanao last month. Malaysia has pulled out the first batch of its peace monitors and is due to complete the pullout by August.
Many civilians have already fled some villages in Tipo-Tipo for fear they would be caught in the crossfire or trapped in the fighting, said the TV report.
The MILF has repeatedly warned security forces to stay away from rebel camps and soldiers had been reported encroaching in those areas causing sporadic clashes.
Last week, soldiers fired on armed rebels working at a farm in Baguindan village in Basilan, igniting hours of sporadic clashes in Tipo-Tipo town, according to the MILF website.
The military officials have issued conflicting statements about the fighting and said troops clashes with the Abu Sayyaf Group instead of MILF, while some other military officials accused the MILF of attacking a group of marines securing a road project in the town.
The MILF has about 10,000 armed men and its peace talks with the government has come into an impasse as both sides refuse to concede on the land disputes.