1 soldier, 1 rebel killed in military encounter with remaining MNLF in Zambo

Amid the government's clearing operations in Zamboanga City, fighting erupted after military troops encountered remaining followers of Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari on Monday afternoon.

Members of the Philippine Army’s Alpha Company, 44th Infantry Battalion exchanged gunfire with Misuari’s followers in Barangay Sta. Barbara at around 2:30 p.m. Monday, according to Captain Jefferson Somera, spokesman of the Army's 1st Infantry Division.

One soldier, identified as Corporal Hakim Jaafar, and a rebel were killed during the clash, which ended at around 3 p.m., said Somera.

He added that an M4 and M14 rifles were recovered from the rebels.

Meanwhile, four of five commanders who supposedly led some 200 MNLF members in the attack on Zamboanga City have been killed, captured or have surrendered to the military, public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said in a press briefing on Monday.

The only commander at large is Habier Malik, who merely got attention for making himself available to the media, he added.

Misuari's followers had engaged government forces in armed confrontations in parts of Zamboanga City starting Sept. 9, taking civilians as hostages. More than 100 people—mostly MNLF rebels—have been killed in the fighting, which paralyzed the city's businesses and schools.

On Saturday, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the crisis is over, but clearing operations would continue to ensure that no more MNLF rebels would be left in the city. --Amanda Fernandez/KG, GMA News