MNLF rebels free Zambo police chief, companions

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): MNLF rebels free Zambo police chief, companions

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels have released Zamboanga City police officer-in-charge Sr. Supt. Jose Chiquito Malayo and his two companions whom they seized earlier Tuesday in this city.

Initial report disclosed that Malayo and his two companions were freed shortly after 6 p.m., several hours after they were seized at Sitio Bagtus, Barangay Mampang, 9 kms east of this city.

The report said that Malayo and his companions were freed in exchange for the safe surrender of the Basilan-based rebels who seized them.

The report quoting Councilor Percival Ramos said Malayo’s group and the rebels boarded on a government-owned bus en route to Camp Batalla along R.T. Lim Boulevard.

Malayo and his two companions were seized by the rebels while the police official was trying to convince a group of rebels to peacefully surrender.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said there were already a total of 123 hostages who were rescued, recovered and released as the troops continue to pounce the rebels.

“This is the result of the gradual constriction on the movement of the rebels,” Zagala said.

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