Priest's father, nephew among those freed in Zambo

MANILA, Philippines - A Catholic priest's relatives was among the latest batch of hostages released by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels in Zamboanga City, an official of the Church said Tuesday.

Monsignor Cris Manongas, administrator of Archdiocese of Zamboanga, said that among the 64 hostages released were the father and nephew of Fr. Michael Ufana.

Ufana is the assistant parish priest of St. Joseph Parish sa Zamboanga City.

"We have good news as of this morning, kahapon mayroong additional na 64 katao ang napalaya ayon sa crisis management committee. Kasama sa pinalaya ang pamangkin at ama ni Fr.Michael Ufana," Manongas said.

The monsignor said another good news was that the last gunfire heard in the city was at 1 a.m., during an assault of the government's troops.

"That is  good news kasi kaninang 1 a.m.,  I think it was the final assault that they made. Hanggang ngayon ay wala na, I did not hear anymore, no firing. Kagabi, I think that was the biggest and most intense asssault," Manongas added.

The military said that it has recovered 70 percent of the areas that were occupied by the MNLF since last week.

Fourteen more hostages walked free from the rebels after the release of the 64 hostages. On Monday night, 34 others were rescued by the security forces.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development said that the troops have been able to free at least 150 hostages from the rebels.