AFP: Some MNLF rebels abandoned firearms, changed into civilian attire

From GMA News (Sep 18): AFP: Some MNLF rebels abandoned firearms, changed into civilian attire

Some of the Moro National Liberation Front gunmen who have engaged government forces in nine days of fighting in Zamboanga City may have abandoned their firearms and mingled with civilians, the military said Wednesday.

Maj. Harold Cabunoc, commander of the Philippine Army’s 7th Civil Relations Group, said this after government forces recovered high-powered firearms from one of the villages were fighting occurred.

"Some of [Nur] Misuari's men have changed to civilian attire and fled, leaving behind their firearms and empty magazines," Cabunoc said on his Twitter account.

He added the firearms recovered by the government troops in Barangay Sta. Catalina included automatic weapons like the AK-47, and rifles like the M-14 and Garand.

Also found were empty magazines, he added.

"Misuari's men are running out of ammo!" he said.

Earlier Wednesday Philippine National Police deputy director for operations Deputy Director General Felipe Rojas Jr. said government forces had retaken as much as 80 percent of MNLF-controlled areas in Zamboanga City.

Casualties top 100 mark

Meanwhile, figures from the AFP as of noon Wednesday indicated the number of fatalities topped the 100 mark.

The AFP said the fatalities included 83 "RMEs" ("Rogue MNLF Elements"), 11 soldiers, three policemen, and seven civilians, or a total of 104 dead.

It said that from the RME side, nine were also wounded while 93 were captured or had surrendered.

From the ranks of the AFP, 105 were wounded. At least 12 policemen and 67 civilians were wounded as well, it added.

Meanwhile, the AFP said at least 152 hostages were released or rescued, while 14 escaped.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/327084/news/nation/afp-some-mnlf-rebels-abandoned-firearms-changed-into-civilian-attire