MNLF Frees Zambo Police Chief, Govt Troops Reclaimed 70% Rebel Positions

Several hours after his abduction on Tuesday, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters has released Zamboanga City Police Chief Senior Superintendent Jose Chiquito Malayo later that day, Gma news online reported.

The Philippine National Police(PNP) said in a statement that Malayo was negotiating for the release of civilian hostages at a mangrove area in Barangay Mampang in Zamboanga City when the rebels held him at gunpoint. Reports, however, said it was not clear if Malayo’s escorts, who were also abducted by the rebels, were released along with their superior.

The online news reported interior Secretary Mar Roxas said the police chief also managed to convince 23 MNLF fighters to surrender to authorities.

“I am pleased to inform you that Zambo City director Senior Superintendent Chiquito Malayo has successfully convinced 23 MNLF fighters to come into the fold of the law. He and the 23 are en route back from Brgy. Mampang being escorted by Regional Director chief Chief Superintendent Boy Vano,” Roxas said in a text message. The online news said Malayo was seen inside a coaster together with the MNLF members.

Meanwhile, the military said 70 percent of the areas that are previously occupied by the MNLF rebels has been reclaimed. Armed Forces of the Philippines Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan said some areas are now under government control. “In the areas where they (rebels) were both holding out in the past, 70 percent of that is now under government control,” Tutaan said at a press briefing.

Tutaan was quoted saying the “previously occupied positions” refers to positions that extends out on five barangays namely: Santa Catalina, Santa Barbara, Rio Hondo, Talon-talon and Mariki, Gma news online reported.

Tutaan added that last Monday, September 16, at least 51 MNLF rebels have been killed, although there were unverified reports that 20 more fighters have died from clashes with government forces. He said that as of Tuesday morning, at least 64 have either surrendered or have been captured.

Authorities said at least six soldiers and three policemen were killed while 98 were injured. The military has also rescued 116 hostages in the past 18 hours, Gma news online said.

The hostilities between the government and MNLF fighters started Monday last week when rebels seized several villages and held dozens of hostage. The nine-day crisis also caused thousands of residents to leave their homes and sought shelter at the city stadium.

Source: Gma news tv, Gma news online