ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Sept. 15, 2013) –Philippine authorities said a total of 34 hostages had either escaped or freed by rebels in the besieged city of Zamboanga in Mindanao where sporadic fighting continues.
But officials said two of the former captives had died and 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 Sanson.
Security forces are still fighting over 100 Moro National Liberation Front rebels who are still holding dozens of civilians 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.
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.
“Due to the continuing crisis situation, curfew will resume tonight at 8 o’clock until 5AM tomorrow. Schools will also remain closed tomorrow, as well as work in all offices except those agencies providing frontline services,” she said.
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. (Mindanao Examiner)
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