Relief aids continue as floods engulf more southern villages

Emergency assistance for flood victims has resumed in Maguindanao after a portion of its national highway was cleared Tuesday noon of brigand rebels who earlier attacked an oil tanker and clashed with reinforcing soldiers in ensuing firefight that forced the military to temporarily close the road to commuters including relief workers.

The 6th Infantry Division signaled the reopening of the highway along Guindulungan town, Maguindanao around 1 p.m. Tuesday after the smoke of guns subsided in the firefight that reportedly left six rebels killed but caused minor displacement among residents of barangays Bagan and Makasampen.