MANILA, Philippines – Clashes continue between government troops and Moro National Liberation Front members, but day 9 of the Zamboanga siege brings some good news.
Carmela Fonbuena reports.
For the first time since the 9-day siege of Zamboanga, residents wake up to welcome news.
Over a hundred hostages are released or able to escape the battle zone.
Government troops declare they have cornered Commander Habier Malik, but the sense of relief is short lived.
MNLF fighters abduct no less than the police chief of the city, Senior Superintendent Chiquito Malayo, as he tried to secure the release of hostages.
Emissaries are sent to get Colonel Malayo released.
The group holding him is an MNLF breakaway group from Basilan.
The PNP is hopeful — the group is not notorious for committing terrorist acts.
But the night still brings with it some good news.
Malayo has been released.
The standoff between the government forces and the followers of Moro National Liberation Front Founder Nur Misuari shut down this key city in Mindanao.
At least 99 were killed and 160 are wounded.
Amidst the chaos, the people who suffer the most are the hostages and their families.
Rosa Advincula was inconsolable when Rappler met her on Saturday.
Five of her relatives were taken hostage.
Today she is thankful. All five are safe.
She’s waiting for the department of social welfare and development to debrief the hostages.
Their statements may be used to file cases against the MNLF rebels.
It’s been an ordeal for hostages trapped inside the battle zone.
This man was one of those who escaped.
The conflict in Zamboanga has reached new levels, and many feel its just a matter of time before it completely winds down.
When that happens, all that will be left behind are the burnt houses, the dead bodies and terrorized residents.
Carmela Fonbuena, Rappler, Zamboanga.
– Rappler.com
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