'Businesses in Zambo City back to normal'

MANILA, Philippines - Some businesses in Zamboanga City are now back to "normal" operations amid the ongoing standoff between members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and military forces.

The Zamboanga City government said in its official Twitter and Facebook accounts that businesses are now "returning to normalcy" including gasoline stations, public markets, pharmacies and rural transit buses.

"Public markets are open for business today addressing food supply needs of Zambo residents," the Zamboanga City government said.

It clarified that there are no price hikes in the Sta. Cruz public market and such reported increases are being monitored.

Rural transit buses have also resumed regular trips going to and from the city.

Alleged armed MNLF members infiltrated some barangays of Zamboanga City on Monday, resulting in a clash with military troops that have claimed at least four fatalities.

The standoff between the two forces have continued on Tuesday as the MNLF members allegedly took more civilian hostages.

Zamboanga City Mayor Ma. Isabelle "Beng" Climaco has suspended classes in all levels in both private and public schools and work in all offices except for those in health services and social welfare and in the offices of the city mayor, administrator, and engineer.

A curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. has also been imposed since Monday.

The city government earlier said that the ongoing crisis situation is only confined in five of its 98 barangays.

These are the barangays of Talon-Talon, Mampang, Rio Hondo, Sta. Catalina, and Kasanyangan.