No Pinoys reported hurt in latest violence in Syria

No Filipinos were reported hurt in the latest violence in Syria where 12 people were killed on Monday. In a text message to GMA News Online, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said no Filipinos have been reported injured in Syria as a 10-month-old struggle between President Bashar Assad and his foes continues. A report of Arab News quoted the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights as saying random gunfire by pro-Assad militiamen killed five people and wounded nine in the city of Homs. A sniper also shot dead a 16-year-old girl there, the report added. During a clash between rebels and soldiers, five soldiers were killed as they tried to change sides. However, 15 other soldiers succeeded in defecting, it said. A United Nations count said more than 5,000 people have been killed in Syria since the uprising began. On the other hand, Syrian authorities say 2,000 members of the security forces have also been killed. On Sunday, 32 civilians and soldiers were reported killed.