Six Hostages Rescued in Zamboanga City from MNLF

MANILA, Philippines -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines said six more hostages were rescued from the Moro National Liberation Front in Zamboanga City Thursday morning, the 18th day of the standoff between government forces and the rebels in the port city.
The hostages were all from Barangay Sta. Barbara.
Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, AFP public affairs chief, said rescue operations had been ongoing since Wednesday night.
Around 5 to 6 a.m., sporadic firing broke out.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said the number of evacuees in the city has gone down from 126,000 to about 99,000.
On Wednesday, schools in areas outside the conflict zone resumed classes.