MANILA, Philippines - The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels holed up in several villages in Zamboanga City are now starving as government security forces have effectively cut off their food supply.
Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, commander of the 7th Civil Relations Group of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,also denied reports that several MNLF fighters have surrendered to authorities last night.
"Nobody among the armed intruders in Zambo surrendered. But, most of them are starving and hiding in fear behind hapless civilians," Cabunoc said.
Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesperson of the Police Region Office 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), also belied news reports that 80 MNLF rebels turned themselves in.
As of press time, rebels allied with MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari are still holding civilians as hostages as the standoff with government troops entered its fifth day.