Gov’t troops pounce rebels, continue to gain grounds in Zambo

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 16): Gov’t troops pounce rebels, continue to gain grounds in Zambo

The government forces have already gained control of at least 70 percent of the areas occupied by the rebels when they infiltrated this city last week.

Armed Forces’ Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala announced this Monday citing the troops continue to gain grounds as offensive continues in the adjoining barangays of Sta. Barbara and Sta. Catalina.

“The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) is pushing forward. We are gaining grounds,” Zagala said without elaborating further citing operational mater.

Zagala assured that the troops are ensuring the safety of the hostages are they continue to pounce on the rebels’ position.

“These are calibrated responses. We are very careful,” Zagala said.

Shortly after noon time Monday MG-520 rocket-firing helicopters pounded with rockets the rebels’ positions while ground troops continue to advance.

Zagala said the airstrike is a closed-air support to the ground troops.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Deputy Director-General Felipe Rojas, Jr. said so far 51 rebels were killed while 26 others, including women, were captured.

Rojas said 15 high-powered and seven low-powered firearms were seized by the advancing troops.

Zagala disclosed in a press briefing late Monday there are still estimated of over MNLF rebels “in the area.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=566379