Soldier killed, 15 MNLF men surrender in Zambo

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Another soldier was killed in Zamboanga City as the standoff between the Moro National Liberation Front-Misuari group and government troops enter Day 11. The latest fatality brings to 12 the total number of uniformed men killed in action in the city. Meanwhile, another 15 MNLF fighters have surrendered to the military. Government troops are now conducting house-to-house clearing operations in Barangays Santa Barbara and Santa Catalina. AFP spokesman Domingo Tutaan said ending the standoff is taking longer than expected because MNLF forces continue to use hostages as human shields. Around 20 hostages are still in the hands of the armed group. ANC Dateline Philippines, September 19, 2013