Military: 2 MNLF rebels killed on 10th day of clearing ops in Zambo City

At least two Moro National Liberation Front fighters were killed as the clearing operations in Zamboanga City enters its 10th day.

The two rebels fired on government troops of the 23rd Marine Company during clearing operations in barangay Kasanyangan Thursday morning, according to a statement from the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The military recovered two M-14 rifles after the firefight.

Meanwhile, soldiers of the 44th Infantry Battalion recovered an M-16 rifle in a drainage canal and an AK-47 in a mangrove area during a clearing operations in barangay Santa Catalina.

Clearing operations have been undertaken since September 30, after the end of the crisis there was announced by the Defense Department on Sept. 28.

The Zamboanga City siege, which started Sept. 9 resulted in the deaths of 208 MNLF fighters. Twenty-four rebels surrendered, while were 270 captured, the military said, adding that at least 20 soldiers were killed and 177 were wounded.  Also it said 195 hostages were rescued, while two were killed and nine wounded.

Over 200 MNLF rebels attacked Zamboanga city to stake an independence bid there after declaring a separate republic in Mindanao. They claimed the government sidelined them in a peace pact.

A local court had issued arrest warrants against MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari, commander Ustadz Habier Malik and two others in connection with the nearly three-week siege of Zamboanga City. — Marc Jayson Cayabyab /LBG, GMA News