Army troops in civilian clothes reportedly fired at a 10,000-strong rally in Jolo, Sulu by supporters of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari and then shot it out with responding police forces, leading to at least 20 deaths and numerous casualties. Col. Jose Mabanta, Armed Forces spokesman, said nine Marines, two cops, three civilians and a Moro National Liberation Front integree were killed. At least six other persons were wounded though some reports put the number of wounded at 18. Initial reports were confusing, but sources said the fighting started after cops arrested at least one Marine in civilian clothes for carrying a grenade.
Sounds like a wonderful time was had by all, except for the dead. MNLF sez the government set it up to justify having the Americans work with the locals against them, but this sounds more like a traditional Philippine political rally. |