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ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (UPDATED – Loud gunfire and explosions continued on the 8th day of the crisis in Zamboanga City on Monday morning, September 16.
Government troops continued to push toward Sta Barbara to take out rebels holed out in the area. Another fire broke out Sunday evening, September 15, in the village.
The military has planned for a final offensive against the Nur Misuari-led faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). Army tanks and troops attacked sitio Lustre in Barangay Catalina on Friday, September 13, causing heavy casualties on the rebel side.
Rebel leader Habier Malik told Rappler Sunday morning, September 15, that the government troops are closing in on them. The area they control is shrinking, he admitted.
“Nakikita ko kahit mamamatay kami, halimbawa maubos kami, ang katibayan ng MNLF ay hindi mawawala,” he said. (I can see that, even if we all die, the principles of the MNLF will not die with us.)
Malik is the top aide of MNLF founder Nur Misuari. They oppose the new peace deal the government is finalizing with its rival group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Malik argued that MNLF’s 1996 agreement with the Philippines cannot be sidestepped by a new agreement with the MILF.
The AFP said a total of 62 people have been killed in the clashes: 3 from the army, 3 from the police, 5 civilians, and 51 from the rebels. A total of 105 others have been wounded.
At least 183 people are still held hostage as of 7 pm Sunday, held in different groups by 6 rebel commanders in Barangays Sta Catalina and Sta Barbara, the AFP added. – Rappler.com
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