Philippine military bombs rebels in besieged city

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Sep 16): Philippine military bombs rebels in besieged city

Philippine military planes pounded with rockets rebel positions in Zamboanga City where security forces are battling Moro National Liberation Front gunmen fighting for independence in the restive southern region.

Two MG-520 helicopter gunships fired rockets on MNLF targets in the villages of Santa Barbara and Santa Catalina, but one missile exploded near a group of soldiers and wounded several of them. Troops, supported by armoured vehicles, continue to advance, although slowly, to areas held by rebels.

Security forces are fighting over 100 rebels who are still holding at least 180civilian hostages seized in at least 5 villages. The rebels, under Nur Misuari – who accused the Aquino government of reneging on a peace deal the MNLF signed with Manila 17 years ago – stormed the villages on September 9.

The military said the rebels, led by Ustadz Haber Malik, are still holding at least and using them as shield against government assault.

A purported audio recording from Misuari also surfaced on Monday, saying more rebel forces are heading to Zamboanga.

“Stop talking about that ceasefire we do not want ceasefire. Even if they give to us that 15 provinces, 20 cities including Davao I do not want it. Stop mentioning about it just continue and keep going. The MNLF from other areas of Zamboanga, hopefully, are expected to enter Insha Allah, to liberate the biggest symbol of colonialism in Mindanao. Inform the peace loving people of Zamboanga, we are not to harm any of them, we are merely claiming all our rights,” it said.

Malik, who is Misuari’s lieutenant, also denied reports that MNLF fighters torched civilian houses. He said the conflagration started from mortar projectiles fired by government troops on rebel positions in Santa Catalina and Santa Barbara villages.

Hundreds of houses had been razed by the conflagration in the villages and rebels were firing on firemen who tried to fight the blaze.

Authorities said a total of 34 hostages had either escaped or freed by rebels, but two of the former captives had died. The others were reunited with their family and some still recuperating in hospitals from injuries sustained during their ordeal.

The following are the names of the 34 former hostages –  Mary Jean Gerolaga, Mercedita Hasinun, Norisma Hasinun, Yudith Hasinun, Aira Hasinun, Binsal Hasinun, Fr. Michael Ufana, Ereneo Gerolaga, Ronelo Nagar, Rodelio Tolorio, Warren Simyunn, Oswaldo Mariano, Josephine Simyunn, Monico Deles, Reymundo Cepada (+), Frederick Fernandez, Noah Kent Mojica, Michelle Candido, Jeomi Eithan Ando (+), Aireen Lumiton, Aira Mae Lumiton, Narciso Lumiton, Jr, Meldy Tabios, Lyka Tabios, Nica Tabios, Benjamin Leonardo, Leonardo Cledona, Ednemark Confessor, Klevan Presno, Clemente Almonte II, Arnel Renecia, David Nifras, Russ Angeles and Daniel Ramos Sanson.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar said all schools and private offices will remain closed until the situation returns to normal. She said curfew is still being implemented in the whole of Zamboanga from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m.

Salazar said the operation against the rebels is continuing in an effort to flush them out. “Our police and military authorities continue to safeguard our territories and our people through calibrated military action. They are still out there, keeping the fight for all of us,” she said.

Salazar said 56 rebels have been arrested and that 26 other were killed since the fighting began. Six soldiers and policemen also perished and that 56 others wounded in the clashes. Civilian casualties remain at 4 and that 22 people were wounded in the fighting.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/09/philippine-military-bombs-rebels-in.html