Army rescues 64 hostages in Zamboanga City

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): Army rescues 64 hostages in Zamboanga City

The Army's Special Operation Command (SOCOM) rescued 64 hostages early Tuesday morning in Barangay Sta. Barbara, a village held by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters.

Major Harold Cabunoc, 7th Civil Relations Group commander, said the operation took place around 4:00 a.m.

"Army SOCOM forces rescued 64 hostages from the hands of Misuari's armed followers in Sta. Barbara, Zamboanga City at around 4 a.m. today," Cabunoc said on his Twitter account at 7:20 a.m.

He said the "rescued" hostages included 39 males, 21 females, and four children.

Cabunoc lauded the SOCOM troopers for their work.

"SOCOM troopers were bloodied but unflinching in performing its mission. That is soldiery at its best," he said.

The MNLF seized several barangays in Zamboanga City last Sept 9 resulting in a standoff that entered its ninth day Tuesday, after taking scores of civilians hostage.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=566476