MANILA, Philippines - The number of people affected by the standoff between government forces and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels in Zamboanga City has increased to more than 14,000, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said on Thursday.
The DSWD said in its official Twitter account that as of 6 a.m., there are a total of 3,248 families or 14,739 persons displaced by the ongoing armed conflict.
The evacuees are housed in various schools, churches and a grandstand in the city, Church officials based in Zamboanga said.
Several stores and commercial establishments in the city remained close due to the standoff. Schools also remained close and flights and ferries going to and from the city remained suspended.
Earlier, Church officials called on MNLF rebels holed up in the five villages in the city to release their hostages and sit down with concerned government officials.
Reports said that at least 180 are being held hostage by separate MNLF groups in the five occupied areas in the city. At least four people, including two civilians, have been confirmed killed.
They also appealed to President Benigno Aquino III to listen to the "reasonable demands" of the armed group allied with MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari.