_________________________________________________
Sabah: It may NOT be over just yet!
Fall out from the Sabah Invasion
—–
Sun.Star
ON 11TH FEBRUARY 2013, ARMED SULU FIGHTERS INVADED SABAH. However, by the first week of March, they had been defeated.
IS SOMETHING MORE SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS ABOUT TO HAPPEN NOT ONLY IN SABAH BUT ALSO SARAWAK?
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has declared its intention to reclaim Sabah and Sarawak.
—
15th Day: Monday, 23 September 2013
ZamboTimes @zambotimes Continuous gunfire and explosions on-going in Talon-Talon as Zamboanga City enters on its 15th days of crisis.
…
The Philippine Star @PhilippineStar @zambocitygovt ADVISORY: Imposition of curfew in Zamboanga City will continue 8PM tonight to 5AM tomorrow
…
– Two persons slightly wounded by M79 explosions. Progress report to follow.
– Police disclosed that four (4) M79 projectiles exploded in some places of Tetuan (Don Toribio and Falcatan) and in Tugbungan at 5PM today.
..
Abante News Online @AbanteNews Police confirms arrest of a suspected MNLF member at Alta Mall area in Tetuan. — Zamboanga City Gov’t
—
ATTACK ON ZAMBOANGA CITY BY THE MORO NATIONAL LIBERATION FRONT (MNLF): It began on 9 September.
Published on Sep 9, 2013
Zamboanga clash (Zamboanga City, Philippines)
ABS-CBN Zamboanga,09/09/2013 11:09 AM
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels held some civilians hostage in Zamboanga City after a clash with government troops erupted Sunday evening.
Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle Climaco said at least 20 civilians are now being used as “human shields” by the MNLF rebels who are trying to take over the city.
Climaco said she received a report that a soldier died but she has no figures on the number of injured. She said some 400 MNLF rebels are involved in the ongoing skirmishes.
ABS-CBN News Zamboanga reports 2 civilians died and 4 were wounded after rebels attacked jeepney passengers in Barangay Talon-Talon.
—
YAHOO! NEWS PHILIPPINES
3 dead in Zambo bus blast
At least 3 people are dead after a bomb exploded inside a bus in Zamboanga City.
Police said the bus explosion occurred at the Biel Transit terminal in Barangay Labuan, around 30 kilometers northwest of Zamboanga City.
A bus conductor and 2 employees of the terminal were killed. The driver of the bus was injured.
No one has claimed responsibility for the bombing and police have yet to determine the type of bomb that exploded.
Investigators are trying to find out if the blast is related to the ongoing standoff between government troops and members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) loyal to founding chair Nur Misuari. Extortion is another angle, police said.
http://anc.yahoo.com/news/3-dead-in-zambo-bus-blast-180545728.html
—
The Wall Street Journal
Fresh Fighting Erupts in Philippine City
Standoff Between Security Forces and Rebels Draws Closer to an End as More Rebels Surrender
BY CRIS LARANO
Fresh fighting erupted early Friday in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines, forcing more Muslim rebels to surrender and raising security forces’ confidence that the end to a bloody standoff in the city is close at hand.
—
—
#PrayForZamboanga @Zamboanga_RT
“@PTVph: Displaced persons in Zamboanga City standoff now at 111,162 [06] http://fb.me/Po4jqb5F “
—
A village burns in Zamboanga City where troops and rebels fight since September 9, 2013 following simultaneous attacks by Moro National Liberation Front members. (Mindanao Examiner)
—
Mindanao Examiner
In Philippines, Facebook turns into propaganda arena
Friday, September 20, 2013 01:25:37 PM
ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Sept. 20, 2013) – As sporadic fighting continues in Zamboanga, a new war is also heating up in social media – the battle for propaganda – where anti-government forces and pro-rebels have stepped up their attacks further inflaming the already tense situation in the southern Filipino port city.
In Facebook, Ustadz Haber Malik, the leader of Moro National Liberation Front forces who stormed Zamboanga on September 9, is now being immortalized by some groups as a hero for fighting their cause and self-determination in Mindanao – now they called Bangsamoro Republik.
Others have blamed the Aquino government for all the violence that is happening not only in Zamboanga, but to the rest of the southern region where security are fighting several rebel and terrorist groups.
While some insisted that hundreds of government soldiers were killed and wounded in the fighting and that many of rebels slain in the clashes were actually civilians shot by security forces during military assaults.
The media were also being blamed for not reporting the mounting death toll on the military side, accusing radio and television reporters for covering up the casualties and engaging in the government propaganda war.
One photo showing a destroyed military tank in Syria was also posted on Facebook with a caption saying it was hit by a rocket fired by MNLF rebels.
There were also those who jubilantly praised rebel forces for killing the soldiers they branded as infidels as if the fighting had anything to do with religion.
And this was aggravated by a headline story of a tabloid “Kristiyano Vs Muslim sa Zambo,” which generated so much criticisms that editors had to change its banner story and printed a second edition.Editors also apologized for their choice of the use of words in their banner story, but the next day, its screaming headline was “100 Moro Patay, Huli.” It was also largely criticized by many readers and netizens as a racial slur. Both digital images of the papers went viral on Facebook.
One regional newspaper had “MNLF DEMANDS REVIEW OF 1996 PEACE DEAL” for its banner story, referring to the accord the Philippines had signed with the rebel group.
But for pro-government forces, Facebook is a battle ground to praise the brave soldiers and policemen and all those who are running the operations to stop the rebels from further inflicting serious damages not only to physical structures in Zamboanga, but the very heart of everybody – Christians and Muslims and indigenous people – who are most affected by the violence.
Pictures of civilians handing out food and bottled water to soldiers and policemen battling the rebel forces and keeping them at bay also spread and went viral on Facebook.
Click on the link for the full article
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20130920002537
—
—
No 2 Mining Palawan @NoMiningPalawan
Rebels kill Army commander in Zamboanga ZAMBOANGA CITY – Rebel snipers killed an Army commander and wounded two… http://fb.me/171adYeVc
—
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/photos/zamboanga-city-fight-s-real-victims-1379573612-slideshow/ … http://fb.me/1mcCPhcC3
Yahoo! Philippines 
—
Smoke rises in sporadic fighting between government forces and Muslim rebels in Zamboanga city in southern Philippines.
—
P3.89B to rebuild Zamboanga City, says Aquino – http://www.rappler.com/nation/39350-aquino-rebuild-zamboanga-city … via @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/k3wqAahakM
—
#MindanaoNews 18 Zamboanga City banks open http://blackpearl.com.ph/index.php?type=article&webissue=742301917737819143JAXIMhfkjKiVuTq&webvolume=485297455212282010143JAXIMaSGJhdHLJb&options=view-article …
—
PHILIPPINE NEWS @BalitaNgayon
DTI, PCCI move to get Zamboanga City back on its feet http://bit.ly/18c6kqz via GMA News
—
Day 10: The siege in Zamboanga continues, but the city starts to show signs of rising again. @carmelafonbuena reports http://rplr.co/1eoWOqh
—
Interaksyon
Naval blockade intensified off Zamboanga City coast to stop escaping MNLF rebels
InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5
MANILA — The Philippine Navy has beefed up its forces conducting a blockade off the Zamboanga City coastlines.
Around 28 ships of various sizes and two Islander aircraft are conducting the naval cordon.
—
—
Wednesday, 18 September 2013
4.30pm
IT’S NOT REALLY OVER YET.
Flights to resume in Zamboanga By Jocelyn P. Alvarez ZAMBOANGA CITY – The city will have its flight back on… http://fb.me/1Mr9PRqhG
He said, CebPac will have its regular airbus which will carry 180 passengers.
…
—
Just look at the massive problem of displaced people, all refugees!
Zamboanga Crisis Day 10.
The sun rises over Baliwasan Grandstand in Zamboanga City, temporary home to 64,000 people displaced because of the firefight between government forces and MNLF rebels.
(Photo by Hadji Rieta)
[That Man]
—
A Nazarene Disaster Response team set out for Zamboanga City on Monday following an armed conflict between the… http://fb.me/2EQMxPOjV
More than 44,000 evacuees are reportedly seeking refuge at the Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex in Zamboanga City.
(Photo by Inquirer News Philippines; Click View Slideshow for an additional photo)
http://www.ncnnews.com/nphweb/html/ncn/article.jsp?id=10012980
—
Tuesday, 17 September 2013
9.45pm
Carmela Fonbuena @carmelafonbuena PHOTO: 23 MNLF surrendered to PNP Zamboanga City chief Sr Supt Chiquito Malayo #RStream pic.twitter.com/mOHeu5yvkf
…
Inquirer News
Zamboanga City top cop freed; 20 MNLF rebels yield
By Frances Mangosing
INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines – Senior Superintendent Jose Chiquito Malayo, the police chief of Zamboanga City who was reported kidnapped by Moro National Liberation Front rebels in Sta. Catalina village in the city, emerged free shortly after 6 p.m. Tuesday, the military said.
Military spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala told INQUIRER.net that Malayo remarkably even managed to convince at least 20 armed rebels to surrender.
The Philippine Daily Inquirer team in Mindanao saw Malayo aboard a mini-bus, and he was with the MNLF surrenderees.
Malayo waved and smiled at the Inquirer team as the mini-bus passed by.
Zamboanga City government’s Twitter account also affirmed the release past 6 p.m.
“[Crisis management committee] confirms the release of Zamboanga police chief Malayo and the surrender of some MNLF members,” it said.
No abduction
Meanwhile, a Philippine National Police official disputed reports that Malayo was abducted.
As it turned out, the police chief of Zamboanga City was not really abducted but only negotiated for the surrender of several rebel members.
—
ABS-CBN News Channel @ANCALERTS UPDATE: Zamboanga City police chief abducted, released by MNLF http://j.mp/15zguTJ
…
GMA News @gmanews Govt troops reclaimed 70% of MNLF positions in Zamboanga City – AFP spokesman http://gmane.ws/198MD1P
GMA News Online 
—
Monday, 16 September 2013
11.20pm
…
Pinoymommy @pinoymommy Ang dami na!! RT @rapplerdotcom 87 killed, 146 wounded in Zamboanga City http://rplr.co/186SQfX pic.twitter.com/1yw7Ra1lUg
—
Cess Usman @ImCess98 I wish the WAR here in ZAMBOANGA CiTY will be STOP and the classes will be resume as possible #BurningHouse pic.twitter.com/UjIcMWMrFi
—
bethebestyou @iyansofficial Let us pray for the safety of all the civilians in zamboanga city… heart crashing situation! @bandila
…
Rappler @rapplerdotcom AFP: 70% of battle zone cleared http://rplr.co/186Pr0o report by @carmelafonbuena pic.twitter.com/SIhk8RSDE4
…
Inquirer Group @inquirerdotnet Update on #Zamboanga City Crisis as of Sept 16, 2013 at 09:00pm Hostages released/ rescued – 53 Hostages escaped – 14 | @teamAFP
…
GMA News @gmanews 36 hostages freed in Zamboanga City http://gmane.ws/1505P0M #ZamboCrisis
—
—
INQUIRER NEWS
Airstrikes launched vs MNLF positions in Zamboanga City
By Frances Mangosing
INQUIRER.net
…
Rappler @rapplerdotcom Bomb wrecks car in #Zamboanga City http://rplr.co/17ZTQUJ pic.twitter.com/qB1Kcm77CK
—
An earlier photo
GMA News online
Zamboanga burns amid fighting
A huge blaze engulfs a community in Zamboanga City as of 6:03 pm on Friday, September 13. Hundreds of houses in several villages in the city have been reduced to charred rubble as fighting between government forces and MNLF gunmen continued on its fifth day. Kerwin Baldovino via YouScoop
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/photo/44714/zamboanga-burns-amid-fighting
—
GMA News online
2 Zamboanga City banks open Sunday amid continued crisis
At least two banks in Zamboanga City are opening on Sunday to serve residents’ needs amid the gun battles between government and Moro National Liberation Front forces.
The city government said Saturday the Zamboanga City Bankers and Financiers Association identified the banks that will open on Sunday as Land Bank Western Mindanao State University and China Bank Savings.
Since the crisis started Monday, some commercial establishments in the city, including banking, had been shut.
The crisis, which entered its seventh day on Sunday, started when MNLF members took several civilians hostage, and holed-up in several barangays within Zamboanga City.
Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar had earlier appealed to businesses and banks to open to serve the public.
—
Nearly 100 rebels killed or captured in Zamboanga
Sunday, September 15, 2013
ZAMBOANGA CITY (Updated) — 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, officials said Sunday.
Army troops and police special forces have regained rebel-held grounds and are pressing an assault deeper into communities in the coastal outskirts of Zamboanga city, where more than 100 Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels are holding hostages, military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said.
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.
—
philSTAR.com
Noy stays in Zamboanga City for 2nd day
President Benigno S. Aquino III distributes supplies to government troopers at the Western Mindanao Command headquarters, in Zamboanga City on Friday September 13, 2013.
..
MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III spent the night in Zamboanga City as he closely monitors the situation in the besieged city, Malacañang said Saturday.
“He did not leave [Zamboanga City],” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said when asked if Aquino left the city after his visit on Friday.
In his visit this morning to an evacuation center, the President assured the displaced residents that the government has enough food supply for all of them.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/09/14/1210191/noy-stays-zamboanga-city-2nd-day
—
It’s terrorism!
INQUIRER NEWS
Zamboanga City standoff not a religious war—ARMM gov
As more Muslim pilgrims arrived in Cebu to catch their flights to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia yesterday, a top official of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) urged the public not to inject religion into the Zamboanga City standoff.
In issuing his appeal, ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman said there are “some people who are taking advantage of the situation to further their own interests.”
“But let us look at it carefully; this is a matter of terrorism being sown that the government was fighting against,” Hataman said in response to reports of rising animosity between Muslims and Christians in Zamboanga City.
He said the violence, involving followers of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari, was not affecting only followers of a particular religion but all of Zamboanga City.
In fact, Hataman said, most of those displaced were Muslims.
“Look at the population of Rio Hondo, Sta. Catalina, Kasanyangan and Sta. Barbara, majority is made up of Muslims. The barangay captains are mostly Muslims,” he said.
—
philSTAR.com
UN helps ARMM send aid to Zamboanga
COTABATO CITY, Philippines – The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR) helped the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao put up its latest relief mission for internally-displaced people in Zamboanga City, ARMM officials said Saturday.
ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman, who has been supervising since Tuesday the regional government’s relief operations in support of the humanitarian missions of the Zamboanga City crisis management committee led by Mayor Isabelle Climaco, said the UNHCR’s office in Cotabato City supported by providing hygiene kits for the evacuees.
“We are grateful to the UNHCR. The support its officials in Mindanao had extended to us will go a long way,” Hataman told The Star via mobile phone.
Hataman said the ARMM’s latest shipment of three truckloads from Cotabato City of relief supplies from the regional government arrived in Zamboanga City late Thursday and are now being dispersed to evacuees confined in temporary relief sites.
“There is no discrimination in the dispersal of the relief supplies. These are to distributed to evacuees regardless of whether they are Zamboanga City residents, or are from any of the ARMM’s Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi island provinces,” Hataman said.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/09/14/1210201/un-helps-armm-send-aid-zamboanga
—
BBC News Asia
14 September 2013 Last updated at 14:50 GMT
Rebels and troops resume fight in southern Philippines
Fighting has resumed between government troops and Muslim rebels in the southern Philippines, despite a recently agreed ceasefire.
Click on this link for the news report and video:
BBC News – Rebels and troops resume fight in southern Philippines
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24089553
—
GMA NEWS Online
Death toll from Zamboanga City crisis now at 53
The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Saturday said the death toll from hostilities between government troops and Moro National Liberation Front fighters in Zamboanga City was already at 53 and some 70 others were wounded as of Saturday afternoon.
Major Angelo Guzman, deputy chief at AFP Public Affairs Office, told reporters that so far, six government forces (three soldiers and three police officials), 43 MNLF men and four civilians have been killed as the armed confrontation entered its 6th day.
Also, he said that a total of 41 government troops and 20 civilians have been wounded since the rebels attack some part of the city before dawn Monday, and that 19 insurgents were captured during clashes on Saturday.
—
Star
Saturday September 14, 2013 MYT 7:13:15 PM
Ministry: All Seven Malaysians in Zamboanga City during MNLF attack safe
KUALA LUMPUR: There were seven Malaysians in Zamboanga City, Philippines when it was attacked by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members, but all are unhurt and out of immediate danger.
A Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman said two nationals were moved out of the city through a land route because the Zamboanga City airport was closed to commercial flights while another two had relocated to Southern Philippines before the attack on Sept 9.
“Two more are in protected custody of Filipino authorities while another is believed to be in Basilan. Efforts to contact him is still underway,” she said.
She said the Ministry was currently managing to return of those they have managed to contact back to Malaysia for their safety.
“The Ministry would like to repeat a travel advisory issued on Sept 10, 2013 that Malaysians should temporarily postpone their travels if they intend to travel to Zamboanga or other areas that aren’t safe until security conditions improve,” said the spokesman.
Ministry: All Seven Malaysians in Zamboanga City during MNLF attack safe
—
Inquirer News
Misuari disowns acts of followers in Zamboanga City
By Julie S. Alipala, Michael Lim Ubac
Inquirer Mindanao, Philippine Daily Inquirer
Moro rebel leader Nur Misuari on Wednesday disowned the commander of his followers who had seized coastal villages in Zamboanga City as government forces launched an offensive to dislodge the rebels.
…
Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said she finally managed to reach Misuari by telephone late Wednesday, and asked him to call off the attack.
“What is of interest is that Misuari disowned the actions of Habier Malik, the leader of the hostage-takers with whom I communicated separately,” Salazar said in a statement released Thursday.
Malik is the leader of MNLF fighters from the island province of Basilan who attacked coastal villages in Zamboanga City at dawn on Monday and seized civilians, using them as human shields to thwart a military assault.
But Emmanuel Fontanilla, spokesman and lawyer for Misuari, said on Monday that it was Misuari who was directing the MNLF fighters’ movements.
—
GMA News online
VP Binay says Zambo ceasefire in effect but fighting continues
(Updated 8:07 a.m. – Sept. 14.) Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and former MNLF chairman Nur Misuari have agreed on a ceasefire in Zamboanga City that took effect 12:00 a.m. Saturday, Vice President Jejomar Binay told GMA News shortly before Friday midnight.
But residents continued hearing gunfire through the night, and at 2:12 a.m. the Zamboanga City government tweeted that “Police Operations Division says no order of a ceasefire.”
—
YAHOO!NEWS SINGAPORE
Philippine leader warns Muslim rebels as battles rage
By Ted Aljibe | AFP News – 5 hours ago
At least 22 people have been killed and 52 wounded in five days of fighting in Zamboanga, while 19 of the gunmen have surrendered or been captured, military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Ramon Zagala told AFP.
At least 15,000 people have fled their homes because of the fighting, which is contained in six heavily populated areas of the city of nearly one million, officials said.
They said nearly 200 Zamboanga residents have been seized as hostages and are being used as human shields by about 180 gunmen, who have also set fire to parts of the six coastal districts.
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/philippine-leader-visits-war-torn-southern-city-043922675.html
—
The Star
MNLF strikes at second town
Soldiers battle rebels on second front as insurgents launch assault on island
Soldiers battle rebels on two fronts as insurgents attack town on Basilan Island.
…
The rebels attacked the predominantly Christian outskirts of Lamitan town in Basilan province yesterday morning. Five people were missing and two wounded, he said.
A regional governor, Mujiv Hataman, said that the assault was repulsed.
…
Basilan island is a boat ride away from Zamboanga city, where Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters have been holding their hostage since Monday, when government troops repulsed their attempt to erect a rebel flag at city hall.
Fire fight: Filipino army soldiers shooting at rebels despite a raging fire on the fourth day of a standoff between government troops and MNLF rebels in the residential village in Zamboanga city, southern Philippines. The rebels have resorted to burning houses to prevent soldiers from advancing on their positions.
—
Inquirer News
Troops deployed in Zamboanga City to stand down amid talks with MNLF
By Frances Mangosing
INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines has deployed thousands of its troops in Zamboanga City where there is an ongoing standoff with members of the Moro National Liberation Front, but said they were standing down for possible negotiations.
“We will not advance into the areas where they are. We are situated in an area where we can cordon them off. They cannot advance and that is our action so far,” Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, military spokesperson, told reporters in a press briefing Tuesday.
President Benigno Aquino III also said in a separate press briefing in Makati City that the government has an “overwhelming” number of troops to deal with the crisis and did not see the need to declare a state of emergency.
Meanwhile, Zagala also did not discount the possibility that the skirmishes between the government troops and the MNLF rebels were because they tried to break off from the cordon set by the government forces.
“These skirmishes are isolated. A lot of these is to contain (the Misuari group) in that area. They cannot get out because the primary mission is to contain them and we have done that so far,” Zagala said.
Police were able to block MNLF members in Mampang village who were supposed to reinforce their comrades in Sta. Catalina village.
—
Star
Thursday September 12, 2013 MYT 5:11:16 PM
Muslim rebel clashes spread to second southern Philippine island
Members of the Philippine Marines rest on a road pavement on the fourth day of a government stand-off with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels in downtown Zamboanga city in southern Philippines September 12, 2013. REUTERS/Erik De Castro
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Reuters) – Fighting between security forces and rogue Muslim rebels seeking to declare an independent state escalated in a southern Philippine city on Thursday and spread to a second island, officials said.
U.S.-trained commandos exchanged gunfire with a breakaway faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) holding dozens of hostages in Zamboanga City, on the southernmost island of Mindanao, army spokesman Domingo Tutaan said.
…
The violence spread to the smaller island of Basilan where soldiers fought for nearly two hours before turning back 150 gunmen even as troops shelled MNLF bases, Tutaan said.
…
Three soldiers were killed and nine wounded in the Basilan battle, he added.
Muslim rebel clashes spread to second southern Philippine island
—
YAHOO!News
Military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Ramon Zagala said 180 MNLF gunmen armed with rifles and mortars were now surrounded by about 1,500 elite troops backed by a smaller number of police.
But MNLF spokesman Emmanuel Fontanilla told DZMM radio that the rebels were prepared to dig in.
Philippine rebels use ‘human shields’ in stand-off with troops
Muslim militants were using 180 residents as “human shields” Tuesday, Philippine officials said, as they traded gunfire with troops amid burning houses during a standoff after a deadly attack on a southern city.
Machinegun fire rang out in the deserted streets of Zamboanga as marines targeted fighters from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who stormed the city Monday intent on derailing peace talks.
Several houses were ablaze but rebel sniper fire prevented fire trucks from nearing the scene.
We are scared. We just want this to end as soon as possible so we can get on with our lives,” security technician Ed Laguatan told AFP as he cowered inside his house amid the barrage of gunfire.
“We can see them (the rebels) just next door… It looks like they are ready to die fighting.”
http://news.yahoo.com/muslim-rebel-attack-shuts-down-philippine-city-001638133.html
—
The location of Zamboanga
—
LATEST
BBC News asia
10 September 2013 Last updated at 05:34 GMT
More clashes in southern Philippines’ Zamboanga city
A stand-off between Philippine troops and Muslim rebels has entered its second day, with reports of dozens of civilians trapped or held by rebels.
Clashes began when a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) moved in to the city early on Monday.
Gunshots were heard in Zamboanga early on Tuesday, reports said, and residents had fled areas hit by fighting.
The MNLF members had wanted to raise their flag above Zamboanga’s city hall, military officials said.
Hundreds of troops have been deployed to Zamboanga city, as clashes between rebels and government soldiers enter their second day. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24015988
—
Free Malaysia Today
Reports of activated terrorists cells ‘untrue’
Philipines media had reported that Moro Liberation National Front (MNLF) had activated about 4,000 foreign-trained Tausug fighters embedded in Sarawak and Sabah in Malaysia.
LAHAD DATU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) has stepped up security measures in 10 districts under its purview following reported clashes in Mindanao.
…
The reports also claimed that MNLF had activated about 4,000 foreign-trained Tausug fighters embedded in Sarawak and Sabah in Malaysia.
But Mohammad has rubbished these claims.
Meanwhile in PETALING JAYA, Defence Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said such a claim was not new and that Malaysia was ready to face any eventualities.
“If they try to come in even one inch within our shores, based on what happened in Lahad Datu, we know how to deal with them,” he told reporters here yesterday.
Hishammuddin noted that the Malaysian army was still in place to ensure security in the area.
Reports of activated terrorists cells ‘untrue’
—
NST
09 September 2013| last updated at 06:43PM
Southern Philippines raid: Death toll rises to 6
—
Inquirer News
MILITARY REPORT:
Over 200 Zambo folk held hostage by MNLF
By Frances Mangosing
INQUIRER.net
Combat police forces check their comrade (C) who was hit by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) sniper fire in downtown Zamboanga City in the Philippines on September 9, 2013. AFP / STR
…
MANILA, Philippines – About 250 people were reportedly taken hostage by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Zamboanga City on Monday, authorities said.
Colonel Adrelino Colina of Task Force Zamboanga told INQUIRER.net that some 200 civilians were being held in Kasanyangan village.
Earlier, Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said 38 people were held in Sta. Catalina village.
The mayor said 17 people were wounded in the Monday dawn attack in at least six villages.
The Zamboanga City government said there were 847 evacuees in Tetuan Central School and Tetuan Parish Church, and another 600 evacuees at Zamboanga Grandstand.
Climaco-Salazar also ordered the military and police to secure all hospitals, media offices, water utilities and commercial establishments.
…
Zamboanga City shut down as MNLF men attack its villages
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) — Six people have been reported killed and dozens wounded and trapped after more than 100 suspected members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) infiltrated several coastal villages in Zamboanga City before dawn Monday.
Zamboanga City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said in her official statement that the the fatalities include a navy personnel, a policeman and four civilians.
Twenty-four have also been wounded in the encounter between the government troops and the rebels that started around 4:30 a.m., according to Climaco.
…
Star
Monday September 9, 2013 MYT 1:20:40 PM
Zamboanga attack: Malaysia goes on security alert
About 400 armed men of a break away Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) group launched an attack on Zamboanga City, about 460km away from Sandakan in the east coast of Sabah.
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/09/09/Zambounga-Attack-malaysia.aspx
—
Muslim rebels in Philippines take dozens hostage
Suspected Muslim rebels have attacked several villages on the outskirts of the southern Philippine city of Zamboanga, according to the mayor and military officials.
A police sniper gets into position to confront MNLF rebels in Zamboanga City in the Philippines on September 9, 2013 (AFP)
http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2013/9/9/muslim-rebels-inphillippinestakedozenshostages.html
—
MNLF rebels hold 220 hostages in Zambo siege
MANILA (4th UPDATE) – Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels are holding 220 civilians hostage in Zamboanga City following a clash with government troops.
In its official Twitter account, the Zamboanga City government said the rebels were holding 200 hostages in Barangay Kasanyangan and 20 more in Barangay Sta. Catalina, Zamboanga City.
Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle Climaco lamented that the hostage victims were being used as “human shields” by the MNLF rebels who arrived in the city as early as Sunday evening.
Climaco said some 400 MNLF rebels, who wanted to declare Bangsamoro independence from the government in the city, are involved in the ongoing skirmishes.
“Their main quest is to declare independence in Zamboanga. This is a non-ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) territory. We are calling a crisis committee in a while,” the mayor told ANC.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/09/08/13/2-dead-4-hurt-mnlf-clash-zamboanga-city
—
“Just like what happened in the early ‘70s at the height of Mindanao conflict, Sabah and Sarawak will be the main base of the Bangsa Moro Army,” the Philippine Star quoted the source as saying.
Malaysiakini
4,000 fighters ready to strike in East Malaysia, claim Filipino rebels
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has activated some 4,000 foreign-trained Tausug fighters embedded in Sarawak and Sabah in Malaysia, group spokesman Emmanuel Fontanilla told The Philippine Star yesterday.
Fontanilla said the mobilisation of the fighters was to protect Tausugs, who he claimed have been the subject of a crackdown by Malaysian authorities recently.
According to the Philippine daily, he said the MNLF fighters were in addition to the Sulu Sultanate Army led by Agbimuddin Kiram, the brother of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, leading the armed struggle to reclaim their ancestral land in Sabah.
MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari had declared Sarawak and Sabah as part of the Bangsa Moro Republik (BMR).
Fontanilla, however, clarified that the MNLF fighters in Malaysia will act only in self-defense against any attack from Malaysian security forces.
4,000 fighters ready to strike in East Malaysia, claim Filipino rebels
—
Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) director general Datuk Mohammad told The Star Online that the military was taking measures to strengthen the sea borders while monitoring developments of the fighting in Zamboanga
Sabah’s close proximity to the southern Philippines raises fears that the rebels might flee towards Sabah in a bid to escape capture by pursuing Philippines forces.
NST
Monday September 9, 2013 MYT 1:20:40 PM
Zamboanga attack: Malaysia goes on security alert
KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia has gone into security alert along its sea borders with southern Philippines following Moro rebels attack on Zambonga city.
The security alert in Sabah was to check on possible spill over of the trouble that broke out in the southern Philippines on Monday morning.
About 400 armed men of a break away Moro National Liberations Front (MNLF) group launched an attack on Zamboanga City, about 460km away from Sandakan in the east coast of Sabah.
According to latest reports, the Moro rebels claimed it has captured seven villages and has asked the Indonesian embassy to intervene in the on-going encounter.
——————————————————————-
weehingthong 
An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a co-worker who has been
doing a little research on this. And he in fact
bought me breakfast because I stumbled upon it for him…
lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
But yeah, thanx for spending the time to talk about this matter
here on your website.