ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Sept. 24, 2013) – Eight Moro National Liberation Front fighters have surrendered on Tuesday in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines where skirmishes continue between security and rebel forces, police said.
Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, a regional police spokesman, said the rebels surrendered to authorities in Santa Catalina village where clearing operations are going on to flush out remaining gunmen still hiding in the area and other villages here.
“Eight MNLF rebels surrendered to government troops in Santa Catalina and continuous clearing operation is still being conducted by the government forces in the affected barangays,” Huesca said.
Helicopter gunships fired rockets in areas still held by rebels, but Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar has assured the safety of civilians against future attacks.
“Our land, air and sea assets are alert and in place to maintain peace and order, contain MNLF rebels in the areas of concern and to thwart any attempt of reinforcement from their side to come in to our City,” she said.
Salazar also appealed to citizens to “be responsible and refrain from spreading false information because it will only cause undue panic and fear. Residents are advised to stay calm but vigilant and verify circulating messages and online scare.”
The fighting, now on its third week, has already killed a dozen soldiers, including three lieutenants – Florencio Meneses, PMA Class 2011; Francis Damian, PMA Class 2007; and Kristopher Rama, PMA Class 2008 – and three policemen. Eleven civilians and 104 rebels were also slain in the fighting.
Security forces have recovered at least 177 hostages after they escaped or had been freed by rebels, who stormed several villages on September 9. The MNLF forces under Nur Misuari attacked Zamboanga in retaliation to the government’s failure to honor the provisions of a peace pact it signed with rebels in 1996. (Mindanao Examiner)
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