MANILA, Philippines - The remaining fighters of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) faction of Nur Misuari in Zamboanga City have dug foxholes under houses to hide from the advancing security forces, the military said on Monday.
Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, acting spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said the MNLF forces are now scattered in a one- to two-hectare area in the city.
"Naghuhukay ng taguan sa ilalim ng mga bahay ang watak-watak nilang pwersa. Bawat bahay at kwarto ay hinahalughog upang mahanap at ma-rescue ang hostages," Cabunoc said.
He said that there were still at least 20 civilians being held hostage by the rebels.
Cabunoc said that the security forces advancing in the areas infiltrated by the rebels are using loudspeakers to convince the rebels to surrender and release their hostages.
"Gamit ang loudspeakers, kinukumbinsi sila na pakawalan ang hostages at mapayapang sumuko. Bala ang isinasagot ng mga hostage-takers kaya nagkakabarilan," Cabunoc said.
Earlier, Automonous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman said around 40 to 50 MNLF rebels remain holed up in Zamboanga City since the standoff with government troops started last September 9.