Showing once again the utter foolishness of making “truces” with Islamic supremacists: Muslim rebels lead Philippine jail break.

Muslim insurgents using grenade launchers blasted their way into a prison in the southern Philippines early today and freed 49 inmates, including suspected bombers.

Three guards were wounded in the pre-dawn attack on Kidapawan City prison on Mindanao island, in the latest violation of a truce between the Philippine government and the Muslim separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Jail warden Red Marasigan said about 20 MILF guerrillas attacked the prison, blasting a hole in the wall with grenade launchers. As some insurgents kept guards pinned down with rifle fire, others entered the jail to free prisoners. The six guards on duty at the time were outnumbered and outgunned by the large attacking force, jail officials said.

Most of those who escaped faced serious charges such as bombing, kidnapping and murder. Among them was Ali Sultan, a suspected MILF member being held for allegedly bombing Kidapawan’s commercial district in October 2003, Marasigan said.