Group accuses Philippine authorities of arming civilians
Updated
Amnesty International says political leaders in the southern Philippines are arming civilians and local militias following two weeks of Muslim unrest which has left dozens dead.
The London-based human rights watchdog says in the city of Iligan, some 300 licenced gun owners, politicians and local government officials have set up a civilian militia.
Philippine Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno has also confirmed that "civilian volunteer organisations," in the south would be deputised to help the police.
Amnesty warns arming and deputising civilians could inflame an already tense situation on Mindanao island.
The armed conflict escalated after the Supreme Court suspended a peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Muslim separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front early this month.
