Philippines fighting in South to contain militants

Philippines fighting in South to contain militants August 14 2008 NSI News Source Info The Philippine army has reportedly regained control of the province of North Cotabato, driving out Muslim rebels. Government troops launched an attack on Sunday, after militants occupied the area - which contains a large Christian population. Plans for an expanded zone were blocked by the Supreme Court, and also opposed by some local inhabitants, who fear the extra powers it would give the rebels. The rebels have been frustrated by legal obstacles placed in the way of an agreement to expand an autonomous Muslim region. Residents of the villages occupied by the rebels complained that they torched homes and lay booby traps as they withdrew.