Philippines rebels open second front on fourth day of standoff

Rebel forces have opened a second front on the Philippines island of Basilan as fighting in the restive south entered its fourth day.

Troops engaged 150 gunmen in the southern Philippines island for almost two hours before retreating.

According to the army, three soldiers were killed and nine were injured in the exchange.

In the nearby city of Zamboanga, heavy fighting continues as government forces wage a battle with about 180 rebels.

The gunmen from the Moro National Liberation Front are using villagers as human shields in their attacks which began four days ago.

A spokesman for the Philippines Army, Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, says while the aim is to ensure no rebel escapes, they also want make sure no civilian is hurt.

"We cannot just conduct offensive actions without taking account of the hostages," he said.

The gunmen are believed to be hiding among at least 80 residents in Zamboanga's coastal villages.

Thousands have been displaced from their homes, with many of them staying in a nearby sports stadium.

The Red Cross has stepped in, sending in volunteers to the city which is home to almost one million people.

The head of the Philippines Red Cross, Pascal Mauchle, hopes civilians will remain safe as fighting continues in areas where are many people may still be living.

The hostage crisis began Monday when the rebels arrived by boat on Zamboanga's coastal fringes leaving 12 people dead including two civilians, a police officer, a soldier and eight rebels, according to official figures.

In 1971, the MNLF launched a war for independence in the region and signed a peace deal with the Philippines government in 1996 as the movement settled for limited self-rule.

The government says the latest crisis is designed to get in the way of peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a rival rebel group.

AFP/Reuters