Troops take down 1 MNLF sniper, wound another in Zambo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Government troops killed another sniper of the rogue Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels while trying to escape the embattled site in Barangay Sta. Barbara in  this city as the hostilities between the MNLF and government troops entered its 10th day.

Lt. Col. Johnson Jemar Aseron, commander of the 32nd Infantry Battalion, said the companion of the slain rebel was hit on the leg but was able to escape.

He said they are now undertaking a clearing and probing operation when they spotted the rebels trying to escape out of the area which the soldiers are guarding in Sta. Barbara.

The slain rebel  was barefooted and looked gaunt and dehydrated  when he tried to escape.

“We believed that this slain rebel was sent to do probing also to find out if there (are) soldiers in the area,” Aseron said.

Aseron disclosed that rebels are still trapped in the battle site.

He said rebels who try to breach the security cordon leave their firearms and try to  blend in with  civilian evacuees.