Death toll sharply rises in Philippine fighting

The death toll from more than a week of clashes between Philippine security forces and Muslim rebels rose by 33 to 99 on Tuesday, the military said.

Three soldiers and 30 Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels were killed during heavy fighting over the past 24 hours, armed forces spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala told AFP.

The updated official death toll is 86 rebels, nine security forces and four civilians.