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11 MNLF arrested, Zambo City govt sets hotline to report suspicious activity


(Updated 11:44 a.m.) - At least 11 members of the Moro National Liberation Front were arrested in Zamboanga City Monday morning, hours after predawn clashes that killed at least one soldier and wounded several people
 
The Zamboanga City government disclosed this on its Twitter account, even as it opened a hotline for residents to report unusual activity.

 
It did not give further details.
 
On the other hand, it said some residents were trapped in Barangay Sta. Catalina, where some MNLF personnel took hostages.

 
The city government advised residents to remain calm but to report anything unusual to the authorities.

 
Col. Andrelino Colina, head of Task Force Zamboanga, said the MNLF wanted to get near City Hall and hoist its flag but will not be allowed to do so.
 
"Gusto nila mag-hoist ng flag pero hindi pupuwede 'yun," he said in an interview over dzBB radio.

Illegal firearms

According to Zamboanga Peninsula regional police spokesman chief inspector Ariel Huesca, the Zamboanga City Public Safety Company arrested six MNLF members at the fish pond in Rio Hondo for possession of illegal firearms on Sunday night.
 
The confiscated items included two cal. 45 pistols. The subjects were detained at the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO).
 
Meanwhile, Colina said five MNLF members were arrested on Sunday night. 
 
"'Yung mga nahuli kagabi, after the interrogation, may dalawang battalion commander, isang platoon leader, transportation officer at chairman for political affairs," Colina said on News to Go.
 
After the five were arrested, Colina said the Navy intercepted eight boats full of armed men trying to leave the Rio Hondo area, resulting in the predawn clash.
 
"Bandang past 1 a.m., 'yung mga nandoon sa Rio Hondo area, pasakay ng bangka, trying to leave the area siguro para mag-disperse papunta sa kani-kanilang deployment area. Pero na-intercept ng Navy at nagkaroon ng bakbakan," Colina said, adding that one was killed and six were wounded in the encounter.
 
Meanwhile, Huesca said ZCPO and Task Force Zamboanga are now deploying troops to the different parts of the city to control the situation. —Carmela G. Lapeña/KG, GMA News

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