Skeletons of 4 MNLF rebels found in Zambo clearing ops

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines  â€“ Government forces have recovered the skeletal remains of four suspected Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels as the clearing operation in this city continues, officials said yesterday.

The recovery of the remains came as soldiers resumed the operation following the floods that affected a large area of the city. 

The members of Task Forces Suyod and Igsoon found the remains in Barangay Sta. Barbara on Sunday.

Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesman for the police regional office, said government forces also recovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs), hand grenades, magazines and firearms in separate areas of the war-torn district.

Huesca said the IEDs were turned over to the explosive ordnance and disposal (EOD) unit of the military while the firearms were brought to the police crime laboratory.

“Forensic examination is being conducted to determine the identities of the remains,” he said, noting that the examination would help determine whether MNLF leader Ustadz Habier Malik was among those killed. 

Meanwhile, residents were still prohibited from returning to the villages of Rio Hondo, Mariki, Sta. Barbara, Sta. Catalina and portions of Kasanyangan and Talon-Talon.

Huesca said aside from the clearing operation, MNLF stragglers may still be hiding in these areas.

Last Friday, two stragglers, including an MNLF commander and a follower, were killed in a firefight in Sitio Bugguk, Barangay Sta. Catalina.