Fresh fighting in Zambo as troops enter MNLF-occupied areas

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Fresh fighting erupted in Barangay Sta. Barbara on Wednesday as troops tried to breach the village occupied by members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Col. Andrelino Colina, chief of Task Force Zamboanga, said troops were met by heavy sniper fire as they attempted to penetrate the village with armored personnel carriers.

“We tried to penetrate the location and push them back and there was resistance again prompting the heavy exchange of firefight,” Colina said.

He said the rebels launched rounds of M203 grenades and mortar attacks on different government positions.

Meanwhile, police said that troops were able to take down four MNLF snipers positioned at a mosque's tower in Barangay Sta. Barbara.

“Most likely the rebels retrieved and buried their companions right away and deployed replacement snipers that are firing on our location right now,” said a police officer deployed at the area.

Troops have also been trying to push back MNLF rebels holed up other areas in the city.

The military said that the MNLF rebels are being led by commanders Ugong, Ustadz Asamin Hussein, Habier Malik and Ismael Dasta.

It said that Ugong is leading 30 fighters in Barangay Talon-Talon and the group has at least 20 hostages while Hussein is holed up in Sitio Salinas with 18 men.

Malik, meanwhile, is leading 80 to 90 rebels in Barangay Sta. Barbara and the group also has 20 hostages. Another commander, whose name has yet to be determined by the authorities, is also leading 30 fighters in the same barangay and is holding 87 hostages.

Dasta reportedly has 80 fighters with him in Barangay Sta. Catalina and they have 36 hostages.

Authorities said that the rebels are using the hostages as human shields to prevent the security forces from launching attacks on their positions.

Colina said they are also trying their best to prevent the rebels from entering other villages in the city.