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| MNLF fighters attacks Zamboanga village, aims to control Zamboanga city |
Casualties: 1 Navy personnel, 1 police, 4 civilians, 2 MNLF
Injured: 24 people
Hostages: 300 civilians
Evacuees: 5 thousand and still increasing
Attacked/affected Villages: Brgy Sta Catalina, Sta Barbara, Talon-talon, and Mampang
Travel Advisories: US and Australia warned it citizens to travel in Zamboanga City
MNLF demands:
-need shelter for tonight together with the hostages
-allow them to march downtown and hoist their flag
-a one-on-one talk with the City mayor
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The security has been beefed-up in Zamboanga City after armed men led by MNLF leader Nur Misuari attack the coastal area of the city. They also intend to capture the city and hoist their flag in the capitol and other government installations.
Misuari told his supporters and armed group to surround and secure all military, police and all other installations. The order includes seaports, airports, and all other vital government and private institutions.
Initial reports say that the clash between government forces and the leftist group resulted to the death of 1 soldier and a civilian and wounded 6 others. They also use civilians as human shields. 20 civilian were taken as hostages as the rebels temporarily retreat when they tried to enter the city proper.
Nur Misuari, the leader of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) declared a few weeks ago their independence citing the government's failure to include them in the recent peace talks with MILF.
The city is virtually shut down as businesses and other government offices and schools decided to close due to safety and security reasons. At least 800 soldiers were already deployed in the city to avert new attacks from the rebels.
Check this page for more updates....
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