DAY 10 | Govt forces retake 80% of MNLF-held areas in Zamboanga City - PNP

From InterAksyon (Sep 18): DAY 10 | Govt forces retake 80% of MNLF-held areas in Zamboanga City - PNP

Government security forces have retaken 80 percent of the areas earlier controlled by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters, said Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy director for operations, Deputy Director Felipe Rojas Jr., as the standoff entered its 10th day Wednesday.

"If we're talking percentages, we estimate MNLF presence in only about 20 percent.

Most of the MNLF had either surrendered or had been killed," he said in a radio interview.

Rojas, however, did not identify the areas still held by the rebels.

The standoff started last Sept. 9 when the MNLF took civilian hostages and holed up in several parts of the city.

But in past days, several hostages had been either freed or managed to escape, while the government implemented a calibrated response to the MNLF.

Rojas said they are just focusing on one area where shots were heard, though not as frequently in past days.

He also said that the PNP is now starting its clearing operations with search efforts focused on homemade bombs.

Followers of MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari entered the city early morning of Sept. 9 in what the local government of Zamboanga said was an attempt to take over the city.

Earlier in August, Misuari has declared an independent state for Mindanao, turning his back on the peace agreement he has forged and signed with the Philippine government, which is now currently negotiating another peace agreement with an MNLF splinter group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Both MNLF and MILF originally called for an independent Mindanao until they were convinced to negotiate with the government on a peace agreement.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/70970/day-10--govt-forces-retake-80-of-mnlf-held-areas-in-zamboanga-city---pnp