Philippine soldiers on patrol. Photo: AFP
Philippine : Officials said seven people have been killed in fighting between the military and Muslim rebels in the Philippine south, the second deadliest conflict since a historic peace deal was signed in 2014.
The Philippine military said fighting broke out after a "misunderstanding" between its troops and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Basilan Island province on the main southern island of Mindanao.
Government officials and former rebels, who now lead the transitional government in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, have described the latest conflict as a matter of concern.
On this issue, President's peace advisor and former military chief Carlito Galvez said that he is very worried, and is trying his best to reduce the tension.
Chief MILF negotiator Mohgar Iqbal said it was "unfortunate" and called for an immediate stop to the fighting to prevent the situation from "aggravating".
The military said the fighting began when soldiers and local officials confronted a group of armed members of the MILF, who were entering the village of Ultan in violation of the peace agreement.
Brigadier General Domingo Gobwe said a MILF insurgent fired at soldiers, triggering a clash.
According to separate figures provided by the army and the MILF, three soldiers and four rebels have been killed while fourteen soldiers and three rebels have been wounded.
The deadliest so far was in 2015 when 44 police commandos were killed by Muslim insurgents, including the MIL, during an anti-militancy raid in the southern city of Mamasapano.
Source: The Defence Post