JIHAD IN THE PHILIPPINES: 400 MEMBERS OF MUSLIM ARMY (MNLF) TAKE OVER 4 TOWNS, TAKE SCORES OF HOSTAGES

Firefight in Zambo as MNLF takes hostages Rappler.com September 9, 2013 (thanks to Al)

MANILA, Philippines (2nd UPDATE) — Up to 400 suspected members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have taken over 4 barangays in Zamboanga City Monday, September 9, Mayor Maria Isabelle "Beng" Climaco told Rappler.

As of 7 a.m., Climaco said the MILF took 20 hostages. Reports from Zamboanga City radio station dxRZ said the number has increased to 30 as of 8:20 am.

Climaco said the group wants to march to the City Hall to raise their flag there and declare independence from the government.

The group is led by a certain Haber Malik, a lieutenant of MNLF head Nur Misuari, according to radio station Radyo Agong, the The Mindanao Examiner reported.

The group sneaked into the city dawn Monday from the sea, and launched the attacks sunrise, the Examiner reported.

As of 8:30 am, the MNLF group is nearing the Zamboanga City Medical Center, on their way to the City Hall where they plan to raise the MNLF flag.

The city has cancelled classes and various establishments have shut down. There is a blockade in the coastal areas to prevent more MNLF troops from entering the city. Climaco has called a crisis meeting to address the situation.