MNLF sets houses on fire as firefight continues

MANILA, Philippines - Fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon in one of the Zamboanga City villages where military troops are locked in a standoff with members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Around 2 p.m., the Zamboanga City government said in its Twitter account that the fire broke out in Barangay Sta. Barbara where five houses were razed.

An exchange of gunfire was also happening on the site, the city government added.

Firefighters were already in the area but four firefighters were advised by the military to wait for clearance to conduct suppression operations.

The Zamboanga City government claimed that the fire was caused by the separatist group.

"MNLF caused the fire because they have mortars. Military won't use such while operating in residential areas," the city government said on Twitter.

The military and the MNLF are on the second day of a standoff after members of the rebel group infiltrated some coastal barangays of Zamboanga City.

Related story: Fighting resumes in Zambo; more hostages taken

In a statement on Tuesday, Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco said five people including four children who were held hostage in Barangay Talon-Talon were released by the rebels.

Police Officer 2 Baguinda also sustained gunshot wounds in his left thigh in an gunfire exchange with MNLF members on Tuesday morning.

"The Crisis Management Committee assures the public that the government is on top of the situation," Climaco said. "We are fully supporting our military and police authorities who, we know are doing their best efforts to ensure the peaceful end of this crisis."

Priest, kin held hostage too

Members  of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) took hostage a catholic priest, his brother and father at Barangay Sta. Catalina, Tuesday morning, authorities confirmed.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, chairperson of the local crisis management committee (CMC) identified the captive priest as Fr. Michael Ofana, assistant parish priest of St. Joseph Church.

Ofana was supposed to pick up his father and brother at their residence in sitio Lustre, Barangay Sta. Catalina when they were held hostage and used as one of the civilian human shields by the rebels, Salazar said.

“Yes, he was held hostage by the rebels,” Salazar confirmed.

Salazar said Fr. Ofana was the person they contact when they want to talk to the rebels.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas in a press briefing estimated that there are still around 180 civilians held hostage by the MNLF rebels.

Used as human shields

However, Roxas said based on the observation of the ground forces and the accounts of hostages who were release  by the rebels said they were used as human shields by the rebels.

“Nais ko rin iparating na sa obserbasyon ng ating ground forces  at pati na rin sa paunang salaysay ng mga na-release ay tila hindi pangho-hostage ang nangyari sa kanila pero more on human shields. Hindi sila nakagapos, hindi naka-detained,” Roxas said.

Roxas said the government's effort to thwart the rebels from taking over the seat of the local government has been successful and that it prevented hostilities from spreading to other areas of the sieged barangays.

However, reports on the ground disclosed that rebels have arrived at the Barangay Cabaluay area and firefight also ensued. No other details were available.

At least 11 people were also held captive by the rebels who used the victims as human shields, but later released five of the victims - women  and a young boy -  at Barangay Mampang.

The city social welfare office estimated that at least 10,000 residents  from at least five barangays have evacuated and  seeking refuge  in various temporary shelters.