More troops, air force bombers deployed to contain new unrest in southern Philippine

The military deployed hundreds
of marines and ordered air force planes to bombard areas on
southern Jolo island Tuesday to halt attacks by followers
of a jailed Muslim rebel leader that triggered clashes in
which at least 17 soldiers were killed, officials said.
Lt. Gen. Alberto Braganza, commander of the military's
Southern Command, estimated that up to 30 gunmen loyal to
Nur Misuari may have also been killed in the fighting in
Panamao and other outlying towns.
Up to 600 marines sailed from southern Zamboanga city to
reinforce troops on Jolo. Air force helicopters and planes
were also dispatched to help bombard gunmen holed up in
Panamao.