The body of Mr Balao, a Muslim was murdered apparantly for being an informer on the outskirts of Aleosan in North Cotabato province. Violence began after a deal to expand the Muslim autonomous zone was blocked by the Philippines Supreme Court. Rebels from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) occupied some 15 villages in the region triggering a retaliatory assault by the Philippine army involving heavy artillery and air support. The military has pulled back to established camps but locals (CBO Volunteers) opposed to the Muslim rebels have taken up arms to defend their land from repeat incursion by the rebels.