15 MNLF members killed in latest clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - At least 15 Misuari-led members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) were killed in a encounter against the marine forces conducting clearing operations Friday dawn in a sector of conflict zone in this city, a security official confirmed.

The fresh rebels’ fatalities and brought its dead toll to 166 rebels killed and 271 captured as the clearing operations progressed Friday afternoon.

The combined elements of the 23rd and 33rd Marine Companies penetrated the section of ruins inside Sitio Bugok, Barangay Sta. Catalina and engaged the rebels in tactical combat and sniping operation.

“At least 15 were confirmed killed in that operation under the operation sector of the marines,” said Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, designated spokesman of the ongoing government forces operations here.

But the ground marine forces disclosed there could be about 20 of the rebels killed in the encounter as some of the bodies and firearms of the slain rebels have been recovered. 

Zagala said no one from the marines was reported killed in the fresh engagement. 

The fresh rebel fatalities have added to the 166 rebels killed and 271 captured by the government forces. 

Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesman of police regional office, said the rebels’ fatality figure was based on body counts on site.

The government forces also suffered 23 fatalities and 184 others wounded while at least 12 civilians were killed and 70 others wounded in the conflict.

The area remained closed for any civilian as the government forces declared the place as critical with the presence of the remaining rebels led by Habier Malik.

Military huey choppers hovering the southern skies continued its reconnaissance patrol to spot the rebels who moved into the vast mangrove areas of barangay Mariki as marines and army troops backed by the combat police forces were closing in. 

Naval blockade continued on the coast to prevent the rebels from escaping toward the sea.

As this developed, at least three rebels were also captured while hiding in a septic tank.

The rebels were fished out of the septic tank and were brought to the advance command post and subsequent transfer to the city police office for proper documentation. 

At least 204 of the rebels have already been relocated to the prison facility of the Department of Justice in San Ramon Penal Farm outside this city.