MANILA, Philippines - The remaining 36 Moro National Liberation Front fighters allied with MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari have surrendered to government forces in Zamboaga City, the military said Wednesday.
In his official Twitter account, Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, officer in charge of the Armed Forces of the Philippines- Public Affairs Office, said the MNLF rebels who turned themselves in to authorities also surrendered a total of 23 high-powered firearms.
Cabunoc said the MNLF sub commander who led the rebels, Habier Malik, and at least two other MNLF fighters are still holed up in area.
"Malik and at least two buddies refused to surrender despite being abandoned by 35 of his own men today," Cabunoc said.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, in his official Twitter account, said that among those who surrendered to government troops was MNLF commander, Enir Misuari, reportedly Misuari's nephew.
Meanwhile, the death toll in the Zamboanga City standoff rose to 140, including 110 MNLF rebels and 17 soldiers and policemen.
Authorities also reported that at least 213 people, including 51 civilians who were caught in the crossfire, were wounded.