ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Nearly 1,400 houses and buildings were destroyed in 15 fire incidents in five villages here since the standoff between government troops and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels began, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said yesterday.
Citing military reports, city fire marshal Superintendent Dominador Zabala Jr. said the Misuari-led MNLF fighters deliberately burned buildings and houses to escape from soldiers pursuing them.
Zabala said damage to property was estimated at P20 million.
He said the MNLF rebels burned houses in barangays Sta. Catalina, Sta. Barbara, Mariki, Rihon, and in the Mampang area.
Zabala said firefighters managed to respond to only six fire incidents because of the heavy fighting between soldiers and MNLF rebels.