Army official: 'The end of crisis is near. Let's pray!'

MANILA, Philippines - As Zamboanga City gradually returns to normalcy with its businesses opening up, a ranking military official urged Filipinos to pray for the crisis brought about by the supporters of Nur Misuari to end.

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, 7th Civil Relations Group Commander, on Friday took to Twitter to post news from the battlefront and observations on the most likely dénouement of the conflict, now on its 12th day.

"Some of Misuari's men appear leaderless. Six of them opted to surrender yesterday afternoon ... Misuari's men are fighting as individuals," Cabunoc said.

"Another 15 of Misuari's men have surrendered to the 44th Infrantry Batallion and (Philippine National Police Special Action Force) today. They brought four firearms. The end [of the crisis] is near. Let's pray!" he also posted on Thursday.

While schools remained closed, Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco said the operations of the city government, private offices and companies such as banks and even commercial flights have resumed.

She also said that residents in coastal areas have also gradually resumed their fishing activities with the first deliveries reaching Cebu City this morning.

"A sense of normalcy is felt in most parts of the city today. We are doing the best we can to address the growing needs of the mounting number of evacuees," Climaco said.

Climaco vowed to assist residents who have lost their homes and sources of income through barangay councils and parish offices.

Still dangerous

Cabunoc said that while the remaining rebels are already running low on ammunition, they are still dangerous and they may alsoattempt to blend in with the civilians to escape.

"Some of Misuari's men have changed to civilian attire as they attempt to escape. If you have spotted any of those armed men, report them to the security forces in Zamboanga," he said.

Government troops, meanwhile, are conducting clearing operations to flush out rebels in areas where there is lesser resistance.

"Clearing operations are undertaken, gradually but surely. Our soldiers are gaining grounds each hour. Let us be patient," Cabunoc said.

More than 200 Moro National Liberation Front rebels stormed five communities on the coastal outskirts of Zamboanga city on Sept. 9 and took about 200 residents hostage.