DHAKA: Philippine security forces killed eight Muslim rebels on Thursday as they hunted the remnants of a guerrilla force hiding in homes of a major city and believed to be holding hostages.

A soldier also died, the military reported, bringing the death toll from 11 days of fierce street battles in the southern port city of Zamboanga to at least 114.

The fresh casualties came as an international human rights monitor issued a report alleging severe human rights abuses committed by both sides, including the rebels deliberately picking out Christians to use as human shields.

‘Both sides need to do all they can to prevent further loss of civilian life,’ Human Rights Watch Asia director Brad Adams said, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1923 HRS, SEPT 19, 2013
RoR/RIS