Day 19: Bodies on the ground in Zamboanga villages

From Rappler (Sep 27): Day 19: Bodies on the ground in Zamboanga villages



WHERE IS HE? His troops are on the retreat, but where is Habier Malik? Photo by Therence Koh/AFP

The last firefight in the combat zone in Sta Catalina was sundown on Thursday, September 26. But the Navy found and killed "stragglers" who were trying to flee towards the sea around 9 pm and they're checking if there are others hiding in the rubble.

At least 24 bodies were recovered on Thursday, police deputy director-general for operations Felipe Rojas Jr told Rappler Friday morning, September 27. They're checking if Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) commander Habier Malik is one of them. But it's not easy because some of the bodies are in advanced stages of decay.
Watch the interview with Rojas below.

[Video: PNP: Looking for remnants http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTwwCf6-sBI]

Text messages have been circulating about a supposed last stand by Malik on Friday.

READ: Habier Malik all set for final battle?

"We continue to [do] follow up operations. We are looking for remnants of the MNLF. But as of yesterday afternoon, wala nang putukan [in Sta Catalina]. Wala na rin sightings ng tao," Rojas said.

"Napasok na natin ang mga bahay na dating tinitirhan nila. But we're not sure if they moved to another house or they are just hiding elsewhere," he added.

Rojas said that as of Thursday, all hostages have been accounted for.

Government troops were finally able to enter the remaining houses in Sta Catalina that served as the final stronghold of MNLF fighters.

"We have a total of 166 enemy killed to include bodies littered in battle area," said Armed Forces spokesperson Lt Col Ramon Zagala.

Resistance continued, however, despite claims last week by the military that the crisis is about to end.

READ: In the battle zone, numbers don't add up

"There are still pockets of resistance," Zagala said referring to the 9 pm firefight. "We want to ensure that we clear the area thoroughly to avoid endangering our troops and civilians," he added.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/39986-day-19-bodies-fighting-mnlf-remnants