In the southern city of Zamboanga in the Phillipines, Muslim rebels took over for nine days, capturing over 100 people in the process. Security forces in the Philippines say they have reclaimed almost all the land taken over by the rebels, and about 100 hostages were freed overnight.
Beginning on Friday night, the military ignited an offensive attack with helicopter rockets. “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.
However, a setback came when Senior Superintendent Jose Chiquito Malayo was speaking with the rebels about releasing more captives, but “was himself abducted at gunpoint and held hostage by the rebel group,” said Philippine National Police. Police also say that “pursuit operations” are underway to free Malayo.
At least 100 people have died in the attacks, and about 80,000 residents have had to leave their homes. The rebel attacks have led to further uncertainty as the region was just getting used to a new peace plan established under the Philippine central government. The rebels are said to be part of the Moro National Liberation Front, a type of separatist movement with the goal of creating a self-ruling nation for Muslims in the Philippines.
