A refugee crisis in the southern Philippines
Updated
A refugee crisis is developing in the southern Philippines because of heavy fighting between the military and Muslims rebels.
The government in Manila estimates that some 60,000 people have been forced to flee their homes by the hostilities.
The Red Cross says it recently helped around 900 trapped civilians to escape from combat on the island of Mindanao.
During the past week, the Red Cross has been providing food for around 40,000 displaced people in Cotabato and Lanao del Norte provinces and clean drinking water for over 12,500.
Clashes are continuing days after President Gloria Arroyo scrapped a controversial peace deal with the Muslim guerrillas last Thursday.
The limited Muslim autonomy pact between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front was opposed by Christians and politicians in Mindanao.
