Zamboanga Crisis Update: MNLF constricted to small area

Zamboanga crisis has been contained in a smaller area. Several MNLF rebels has been captured by the Philippine government troops.

The Zamboanga crisis in the southern part of the Philippines has been contained to a smaller area, according Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas on Saturday, September 14, 2013.

Gun fight between government troops and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is ongoing but it is now limited in the area of Sta. Barbara, Sta. Catalina, and a part of Talon-Talon.

Roxas explained that the constriction of the crisis "indicate the extent of the operations, so it’s not just contained. Contained is to cordon and sort of not make it spread. From contained it evolved into ‘constrict,’ which is to reduce the operating space of the MNLF and now it is into ‘clear.’

As of posting, 35 MNLF rebels were captured due to the intensified military operations.

According to Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, they are still in pursuit of about 100 MNLF rebels in the area.

Roxas has assured Zamboanga residents, affected by the crisis, that there will be enough supply of rice.