Philippines launches air strikes on Muslim rebels

The Philippines launched air strikes on Monday against Muslim separatist rebels blamed for a series of attacks that have left 35 people dead in the restless south since last week, the military said.

The Philippines launched air strikes on Monday against Muslim separatist rebels blamed for a series of attacks that have left 35 people dead in the restless south since last week, the military said.

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Two OV-10 attack planes bombed a remote village on the edge of Payao town on Mindanao island, where Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels have been entrenched since last week, army spokesman Major Harold Cabunoc said.

"The bombing attacks began at 11.30 am today," Cabunoc said.

"About 100 heavily armed bandits are holed up in their bunkers and running trenches."

There were no immediate reports of casualties, but the military said about 3,000 civilians had already fled the area last week.