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MNLF commander captured in Zambo City

(UPDATED 5:45 p.m.) A Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) commander and 7 of his men were captured by government troops in Zamboanga City Tuesday.

ABS-CBN's Ron Gagalac reported that Sali Idjal alias Commander Alya was captured with 7 of his men at the boundary of Brgys. Sta. Barbara and Sta. Catalina.

Commander Alya is believed to be the last commander  under MNLF leader Habier Malik.

In an interview with DZMM, Interior and Local Government Sec. Mar Roxas also confirmed the death of MNLF commander Ismael Dasta.

DZMM's Edwin Sevidal also reported that another military officer died Tuesday, the 3rd since the conflict started 16 days ago. The officer was identified as 1Lt. Francis Damian of the 3rd Light Reaction Company and a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 2007.

Damian expired at the Ciudad de Zamboanga hospital after being wounded in an encounter in Brgy. Sta. Barbara on Monday.

Meanwhile, a gun battle is ongoing in Brgys. Talon-Talon, Mariki and Layag-Layag even as the military claimed the MNLF forces have been constrained in Brgys. Sta. Catalina and Sta. Barbara.

Around 15 MNLF fighters are believed to be hiding in the mangrove area in an attempt to escape from government forces.

The military launched air strikes on the area. At least 1 MNLF member was reported dead.

Residents in the area are now fleeing from the fighting.

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