Philippine Rebels, Military in Fourth Day of Standoff
"A standoff between Philippine troops and Muslim rebels is continuing for a fourth straight day in a key port city on the southern island of Mindanao. The military is trying to dislodge about 200 fighters who have taken scores of civilians hostage in several neighborhoods of Zamboanga City. Officials say at least 13,000 residents have fled the fighting, leaving large parts of the city abandoned and resembling a war zone. At least nine people have died in the standoff, which the rebels have said should be resolved by international mediators. Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isaballe Climaco said Thursday in a Facebook statement that talks are ongoing with rebel leaders. The fighters are part of the Moro National Liberation Front, which has long pushed for greater autonomy in the mainly Muslim south."
"A standoff between Philippine troops and Muslim rebels is continuing for a fourth straight day in a key port city on the southern island of Mindanao. The military is trying to dislodge about 200 fighters who have taken scores of civilians hostage in several neighborhoods of Zamboanga City. Officials say at least 13,000 residents have fled the fighting, leaving large parts of the city abandoned and resembling a war zone. At least nine people have died in the standoff, which the rebels have said should be resolved by international mediators. Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isaballe Climaco said Thursday in a Facebook statement that talks are ongoing with rebel leaders. The fighters are part of the Moro National Liberation Front, which has long pushed for greater autonomy in the mainly Muslim south."
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