VIDEO | It took 5 hours to snuff out Zambo fire as troops, MNLF clash again

From InterAksyon (Sep 13): VIDEO | It took 5 hours to snuff out Zambo fire as troops, MNLF clash again

It took more than five hours for firefighters to extinguish the fire at Barangay Sta. Catalina in Zamboanga City after they were restrained by soldiers from getting near the fire scene for fear that the firemen will be hit by MNLF snipers.

Firefighters had difficulty in immediately responding to the fire as the gun battle between government forces and a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front once again erupted at about the same time the fire started.

The Bureau of Fire Protection initially estimated that at least 100 houses were razed by the fire.

The fire was only placed under control at past 7 p.m.

The military said the fire may have been intentionally set off by the MNLF fighters as a diversionary tactic so that the armed forces cannot enter the barangays –Sta. Catalina and Sta. Barbara – where the rebels are said to be hiding and holding hostages.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/70629/video--it-took-5-hours-to-snuff-out-zambo-fire-as-troops-mnlf-clash-again