City Shut Down, Buildings Set Ablaze Amid Fighting in S. Philippines

Zamboanga City shut down as MNLF men attack suburbs

At least a dozen people have been killed and dozens more wounded or trapped as fighting erupted again between Philippine military and Moro National Liberation Front rebels, who were occupying five districts of Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines.

The fatalities include a navy personnel, a policeman and several civilians, said Zamboanga City Mayor.

At least 2 dozen people have been wounded and more than 220 others are trapped, said a report.

Philippine govt has deployed more than 800 troops to Zamboanga city, as deadly clashes between rebels and government forces enter their second day. Image credit: Reuters

Authorities have evacuated more than 600 residents from several villages, while 847 people have fled to other areas.

The Mayor has canceled all school classes in the city, and businesses in the downtown area have been shut down.

Meantime, Philippines Civil Aviation Authority declared the city a “no fly zone” due to the ongoing conflict, said the report.

“Cebu Pacific Air, earlier, canceled its flights to and from the city due to the conflict.”