MANILA, Philippines - Soldiers have rescued six more hostages from the hands of the Moro National Liberation Front fighters in Zamboanga City, a military official said on Thursday.
AFP Public Affairs Office officer in charge Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said members of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion led by Lt Col Oriel Pangcog and the 3rd Light Reaction Company rescued the hostages from the MNLF rebels who still refuse to surrender to government forces.
Cabunoc said the six civilian hostages "after an intense firefight at 10 last night."
He said the troops are still pursuing the remaining MNLF rebels, led by MNLF commander Habier Malik. Malik is one of the commanders loyal to MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari.
After the clash in Brgy. Sta. Barbara last night, Cabunoc said government troops captured nine more MNLF fighters, one of whom was badly wounded.
He said the wounded MNLF rebel was given proper medical treatment.