MANILA (Updated, 2 p.m.) - The Philippine Air Force (PAF) conducted a "targeted air strike" on Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) positions in Zamboanga City on Monday. The aerial assault started 1 p.m. Monday and ended around 1:20 p.m., said 1st Infantry division spokesperson Captain Jefferson Somera. Somera said PAF’s MG-520 "defender" attack helicopter hit some of the areas where MNLF fighters are still holed up. The aircraft is armed with .50 caliber heavy machines and ground attack rockets. Philippine forces have killed or captured nearly 100 of the Moro rebels who have been holding scores of hostages for a week in this city, as the government pushes ahead with an offensive to retake rebel-held coastal communities. Several hostages have escaped or were freed, but it was unclear how many were still in rebel custody. Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle Climaco Salazar said the rebels were still holding up to 40 hostages in one community alone. The standoff in Zamboanga City started last Monday when MNLF members were barred from marching towards the Zamboanga City Hall in an attempt to hoist their independence flag.
Posted on: Mon, 16 Sep 2013 09:15:44 +0000
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