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| Fighting rages in Zambo amid blazing homes |
The military is now in control of territories in Zamboanga City's Barangay Sta. Barbara that had been held by Moro National Liberation Front fighters since Monday.
A report on "Saksi" Thursday night said government troops have taken control of a mosque, the barangay hall and an elementary school there on the fourth day of the crisis.
As of Thursday evening, at least five have been killed and 36 others wounded, the report said.
Also, it said the MNLF forces driven out of Sta. Barbara on Thursday fled to neighboring Barangagy Sta. Catalina, where fresh fighting erupted.
Fire
Amid skirmishes in Sta. Barbara, a fire broke out, destroying residential houses along Lustre Street in the city.
Firefighters were unable to respond as the MNLF sniper would shoot at them whenever they tried to move close to the burning building.
“Nahirapan tayong mag-penetrate sa area kasi may mga sniper,” said a firefighter who was not immediately identified.
Meanwhile, nine hostages managed to escape from their MNLF captors amid firefight between the rebels and government troops, the report said.
“[I]sasakripisyo ko ang buhay ko basta maligtas ko lang ang mga anak ko,” the report quoted Musa Sali, one of those who were able to escape with his children, as saying.
Aside from the escapees, 13 other residents of Sta. Catalina who were caught in the crossfire were able to evacuate with the help of police authorities and the military.
One of the escapees said they had been trapped in their houses for four days.
President Benigno Aquino III is expected to arrive in Zamboanga City on Friday morning as the crisis there enters its fifth day, a Malacañang official said.
In a text message to reporters, Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang said Aquino left for Zamboanga at 7:30 a.m.
"He is estimated to arrive at 10 a.m. The decision to leave was made last night upon discussion with people on the ground," Carandang said.
During a press conference on Thursday, Carandang said there were discussions about the President going there but that there was no plan to do so at the time
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