56 dead as Philippine troops start to fight their way into rebel-held villages
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Philippine officials say government troops have started to battle their way into coastal villages in the south held by Muslim rebels with scores of hostages to end a six-day standoff that has left 56 people dead.
Interior Secretary Mar Roxas said Saturday government forces surrounding about 200 fighters from a Moro National Liberation Front rebel faction have started to retake some of the rebel-held areas and clear roads in coastal villages in Zamboanga city.
President Benigno Aquino III says more firefights are expected but assured thousands of displaced villagers at a sports complex in Zamboanga city that the rebels' capability to sow trouble has been degraded and the government was working to end the crisis soon.
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The standoff has sent more than 60,000 residents fleeing from homes.