3 Misuari followers killed while trying to breach AFP security cordon

At least six followers of Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari were killed in two clashes with government troops in Zamboanga City, an official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said.

 

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, commander of the Philippine Army’s 7th Civil Relations Group, said two were found dead after a clash in Sta. Barbara village before noon, but said the number grew to at least six in the afternoon.

 

In posts on his Twitter account, Cabunoc said two Misuari followers "were found dead in Sta. Barbara village after engaging the soldiers in a firefight at 11:30 a.m."

 

Cabunoc said in a later tweet that six Misuari followers "lay dead after a clash with Army soldiers in Sta. Barbara village at 1:45 p.m."

 

"There is no letup now," he added, but did not immediately make clear if the six included the two found dead earlier.

 

In the meantime, Cabunoc said Misuari's followers had torched houses to create a smokescreen while they flee.

 

He said Misuari's followers also appeared to be "fighting as individuals," as seen by guns and empty magazines in abandoned buildings.

 

"Misuari's men torched down houses to create smoke screen as the(y) fled in disarray. Soldiers are closing in to arrest them," he said.

 

"Burning of houses is a criminal offense and a violation to the laws of armed conflict," he added.

 

NDRRMC on casualties

 

Before Thursday night's encounter, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said at least 103 had been killed and 180 wounded in 11 days of fighting.

 

Of the 103 dead, 80 were from the MNLF, 10 each from the military and among civilians, and three from the police.

 

Of the 180 wounded, 120 were from the military, 48 from among civilians, and 12 from the police.

 

Also, the NDRRMC said 10,160 houses were destroyed due to fires. The NDRRMC estimated the damage to property at P10.5 million.

 

The NDRRMC also said the National Economic and Development Authority will convene on Sept. 25 for the rehabilitation planning of Zamboanga City.  — ELR, GMA News