PHILLIPINES: Security crackdown begins
Updated
Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has announced a military offensive against Muslim militants in the country's south. The head of the Philippine armed forces has gone to southern Mindanao and met with field commanders, as the government over the past few weeks, deployed an estimated 12,000 troops on Jolo and Basilan. 26 soldiers were killed last week in clashes with militants, while on Basilan last month, 14 marines were killed, ten of them beheaded. Observers say that incident had enraged the military, which wants revenge.
Presenter: Sen Lam.
Speakers: Chairman of the Philippine Senate Defence Committee, Rudolfo Biazon.
