A mortar that came from the rebels’ position landed and exploded in front of a government office, injuring nine people, including three Philippine Red Cross (PRC) volunteers in this city Friday.
The incident took place around 5:30 p.m. in front of the National Statistics Office located along Dr. Evangelista Street, Barangay Sta. Catalina at the height of gunfight nearby between government troops and the rebels.
Fighting broke out despite the declaration of “localized” ceasefire aimed at paving the way for negotiations for the release of the hostages as well as to peacefully solve the standoff.
The victims include two soldiers, two policemen, a human rights worker, and a government employee aside from the three PRC volunteers.
According to an account of a photojournalist, the victims were seated in a corner behind a concrete structure when suddenly a mortar landed on their side.
The standoff entered the fifth day Friday. It started Monday when hundreds of Moro National Liberation Front rebels infiltrated this city.
VIDEO | 9 hurt in Zamboanga City explosion http://www.interaksyon.com/article/70665/video--9-hurt-in-zamboanga-city-explosion
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