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By week's end the army had poured more than 1,000 troops into the area, and they were fighting a running battle with some 200 rebels 15 mi. west of Ipil. The troops attacked with artillery and helicopter gunships, and the guerrillas returned the fire, forcing some 7,000 people to flee for their safety. Army officers said the rebels were trying to link up with reinforcements from an mnlf camp at Siocon, in the adjoining province. The Abu Sayyaf had forced civilians to bury at least 14 of their dead fighters. The toll on the other side: five hostages and three soldiers.
In Ipil, survivors were picking through the smoldering remains of their town for more bodies and looking toward the future with dread. "It was a peaceful place until this," said De los Reyes. Now she and other residents of Mindanao wonder whether they will know peace again. --Reported by John Colmey/Ipil and Nelly Sindayen/Manila