Even at the last minute, a captured MNLF gunman shows defiance as government forces bring them to a police station in Zamboanga City to be processed on Thursday, September 26. About 17 more suspected MNLF members were taken into custody in Barangay Sta. Barbara. This brings to more than 200 the number of Misuari followers arrested as of 7 p.m. Thursday, according to the Zamboanga City police. As of Wednesday evening, the military said at least 125 MNLF members, 15 soldiers, five police officers and 13 civilians were killed in the conflict. Chino Gaston
At least six more followers of Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari were taken into custody Friday even as fighting resumed on the 19th day of clashes between government and MNLF forces in Zamboanga City.
The fighting in Sta. Barbara village in the city broke a 12-hour silence, radio dzBB's Benjie Liwanag Jr. reported.
The report said the MNLF members were brought to the city police office where medical personnel attended to their wounds.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Friday that 45 Misuari followers under female commander Misba Baladji said surrendered due to injuries and hunger.
45 Misuari fighters under female commander Misba Baladji yesterday said they were forced to surrender because of injuries and hunger.
It added Baladji, 69, had taken over her dead husband's role.
The AFP quoted Baladji as saying she was promised P15,000 by a "trusted deputy" of Misuari to join a so-called peace march.
For its part, the Philippine National Police said many of the MNLF fighters who surrendered Thursday also claimed they had been similarly "deceived."
"May mga nagsabi they were deceived," PNP deputy for operations Deputy Director General Felipe Rojas Jr. said in an interview on dzBB radio Friday.
Misuari's followers started the crisis Sept. 9 when they engaged government in a standoff by taking civilians hostage.
The government has since retaken most of the MNLF-controlled areas.
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