Dozens of people trapped in a deadly urban battle between Muslim rebels and Philippine troops rushed to safety Tuesday as the guerrillas lost ground in more heavy fighting, authorities said.
Sixty-one people have died and 70,000 residents been displaced since the standoff in the major southern city of Zamboanga began more than a week ago when hundreds of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) gunmen sought to plant an independence flag.
Hundreds of other civilians had remained trapped as the rebels sought shelter from a military assault in the Muslim neighbourhoods of the city, with the military saying the guerrillas were using some residents as hostages or human shields.
The military said Tuesday that a sustained offensive, which began on Friday and included helicopter rocket attacks, was proving a success.
"For the past 18 hours, we have been able to rescue 116 people due to pressure from our troops on the ground," military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala told AFP.
Dozens of shell-shocked men, women and children were trucked from the frontlines into a school taken over by police on Tuesday morning, according to an AFP photographer.
Zagala said soldiers had taken back over 70 percent of areas held by the MNLF forces in two coastal villages where the main fighting had raged since an assault was launched Friday.
A short burst of helicopter rocket fire on rebel positions Monday dislodged them from some areas in the villages, allowing ground troops to advance further, he said.
Zagala said there were no civilians hurt in the air strikes, after rights groups voiced fears over the safety of those still who had not yet escaped.
However Zagala said about 100 MNLF fighters were still engaged in clashes, and it remained unclear how many were still trapped or being held hostage.
Loud gunfire could be heard throughout Monday night and before dawn on Tuesday morning as the military took advantage of the darkness to further its offensive, according to an AFP reporter.
He said fighting was not intense on Tuesday and some shops had re-opened for the first time since the crisis began, although schools, air services and ferry operations remained suspended.
The rebels initially took dozens of hostages and burned hundreds of homes, forcing a shutdown of Zamboanga, a city of about one million that is a key commercial hub in the region.
Fifty-one MNLF rebels and six security forces have died in the fighting, according to the military. Four civilians, including a two-year-old who authorities said was a hostage, have also died.
Muslim rebels have been fighting since the 1970s for an independent or autonomous homeland in the south of the mainly Catholic Philippines. An estimated 150,000 people have died in the conflict.
The MNLF signed a peace treaty in 1996 that granted limited self-rule to the south's Muslim minority, and has since largely participated in the country's political process rather than foment violence.
But 71-year-old MNLF founder Nur Misuari has been angered by a planned peace deal between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a rival group with 12,000 gunmen, as he believes it would sideline his organisation.
He deployed his gunmen to Zamboanga to plant an independence flag, which security analysts said was intended to show the MNLF could prove a major threat if it continued to feel ignored.
President Benigno Aquino has described the autonomous region established under the 1996 pact with the MNLF as a "failed experiment", largely because the southern Philippines has continued to endure dire poverty and corruption.
Under the envisaged new peace deal, a new autonomous region would replace the MNLF-brokered one.
The rival MILF would have most control of the new autonomous region and the potential riches on offer if large mineral deposits and the area's fertile farming regions are exploited.
Zamboanga, about 850 kilometres (530 miles) from the capital of Manila, is a major industrial and trading hub for the southern Philippines.
AFP
Tue Sep 17 2013
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.