Armed Filipinos elusive after Malaysian assault

KUALA LUMPUR (AP) - Malaysian soldiers and police are scouring rugged terrain in Borneo for armed Filipino intruders who are hiding a day after being bombarded with airstrikes and mortar fire.

The capture of nearly 200 members of a Philippine Muslim clan would ease public nervousness in Malaysia's resource-rich eastern state of Sabah, which has been shaken in the past week by the killing of eight police officers and 19 Filipino gunmen who slipped into neighboring Malaysia.

Malaysian security forces on Tuesday attacked the area that the Filipinos have occupied for three weeks. But more than 24 hours after the assault began, authorities have not announced any arrests.

Family members of the group's leader said on Wednesday in Manila he informed them by telephone that he and his followers remain unhurt.