Manila, Feb 8, SPA -- The military deployed hundredsof marines and ordered air force planes to bombard areas onsouthern Jolo island Tuesday to halt attacks by followersof a jailed Muslim rebel leader that triggered clashes inwhich at least 17 soldiers were killed, officials said. Lt. Gen. Alberto Braganza, commander of the military'sSouthern Command, estimated that up to 30 gunmen loyal toNur Misuari may have also been killed in the fighting inPanamao and other outlying towns. Up to 600 marines sailed from southern Zamboanga city toreinforce troops on Jolo. Air force helicopters and planeswere also dispatched to help bombard gunmen holed up inPanamao.--SPA1402 Local Time 1102 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/237818