Fresh
skirmishes erupted on Wednesday between security and rebel forces as fighting
spread near downtown Zamboanga in southern Philippines
Police forces pursued and fired on Moro National Liberation rebels who managed to sneak at a neighborhood near Ciudad Medical alongMayor
Vitaliano Agan Avenue village Santa
Catalina
The fighting triggered an exodus of civilians. Some 13,000 people have fled their homes since the skirmishes began on September 9 following the landing of rebels in coastal villages.
Rebels have fired rocket-propelled grenades and mortar projectiles indiscriminately on positions occupied by government forces. Two projectiles hit the open-air Catholic shrineFort Pilar
Sporadic clashes were reported in various areas and all dangerously near downtown Zamboanga where the heavily-guarded City Hall is located. Rebels also torched civilian houses inSanta
Barbara
Several people have been shot and wounded. One pro-government militia was killed when soldiers attacked him after being mistaken as one of the rebels.
The rebels, who are loyal follower of Nur Misuari, took more than 100 people and use them as shield against security forces, but Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar said the MNLF freed 9 hostages, including four children, in exchange for food. She said government negotiations continue with rebels in an effort to free the remaining hostages.
“Efforts to negotiate with the hostage-takers, who belong to the Misuari faction, are ongoing. We call on the OPAPP to address the demand and claims of the MNLF,” Salazar said, referring to Secretary Teresita Deles, President Benigno Aquino’s peace adviser.
“We call on the hostage-takers to please release the hostages as our priority is the safety and protection of the Zamboangueno community,” she said.
Misuari has accusedManila
Police said some 4,000 villagers also fled thevillage Mampang San
Jose
Terrified villagers were picked up by government trucks late Tuesday. Many were begging truck drivers not to leave them behind fearing they would be held hostage by rebels. “We are looking to ferry all 4,000 people in Mampang tonight,” one police officer told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
Army soldiers, backed by armoured vehicles, also put up blockades in Mampang village to prevent rebels from getting near downtown Zamboanga. One army intelligence member said a group of rebels have escaped from the village before sundown, but there were more hiding in civilian neighborhood.
The fighting has forced all commercial establishments to close down in Zamboanga where Salazar also imposed a 9-hour curfew beginning at 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. Residents also lighted candles late Tuesday in front if their houses with some offering prayers for the violence to stop.
Police forces pursued and fired on Moro National Liberation rebels who managed to sneak at a neighborhood near Ciudad Medical along
The fighting triggered an exodus of civilians. Some 13,000 people have fled their homes since the skirmishes began on September 9 following the landing of rebels in coastal villages.
Rebels have fired rocket-propelled grenades and mortar projectiles indiscriminately on positions occupied by government forces. Two projectiles hit the open-air Catholic shrine
Sporadic clashes were reported in various areas and all dangerously near downtown Zamboanga where the heavily-guarded City Hall is located. Rebels also torched civilian houses in
Several people have been shot and wounded. One pro-government militia was killed when soldiers attacked him after being mistaken as one of the rebels.
The rebels, who are loyal follower of Nur Misuari, took more than 100 people and use them as shield against security forces, but Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar said the MNLF freed 9 hostages, including four children, in exchange for food. She said government negotiations continue with rebels in an effort to free the remaining hostages.
“Efforts to negotiate with the hostage-takers, who belong to the Misuari faction, are ongoing. We call on the OPAPP to address the demand and claims of the MNLF,” Salazar said, referring to Secretary Teresita Deles, President Benigno Aquino’s peace adviser.
“We call on the hostage-takers to please release the hostages as our priority is the safety and protection of the Zamboangueno community,” she said.
Misuari has accused
Police said some 4,000 villagers also fled the
Terrified villagers were picked up by government trucks late Tuesday. Many were begging truck drivers not to leave them behind fearing they would be held hostage by rebels. “We are looking to ferry all 4,000 people in Mampang tonight,” one police officer told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
Army soldiers, backed by armoured vehicles, also put up blockades in Mampang village to prevent rebels from getting near downtown Zamboanga. One army intelligence member said a group of rebels have escaped from the village before sundown, but there were more hiding in civilian neighborhood.
The fighting has forced all commercial establishments to close down in Zamboanga where Salazar also imposed a 9-hour curfew beginning at 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. Residents also lighted candles late Tuesday in front if their houses with some offering prayers for the violence to stop.
Sporadic fighting and indiscriminate bombings mark the third day of the Zamboanga crisis. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/09/violent-clashes-erupt-in-philippine.html
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