Death toll from Zamboanga crisis up to 90 – Armed Forces

The number of fatalities from the nine days of clashes between government forces and Moro National Liberation Front gumen reached at least 90 as of Tuesday afternoon, the Philippine Armed Forces said.

The AFP said that as of 4 p.m., most of the fatalities were followers of MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari with 72 dead, nine wounded, and 67 captured or surrendered.

Meanwhile, government loses were eight soldiers killed in action and 100 were wounded in action. Philippine National Police loses were three killed and 12 wounded.

Also, at least seven civilians were killed while 39 were wounded.

About 150 hostages were freed, while 14 escaped.

Continued operations

The AFP expects to continue its operations against the MNLF in the coming days.

The Philippine Navy on Tuesday intensified its blockade along Zamboanga City's coastlines, state-run Philippines News Agency reported.

The Navy deployed 28 ships and two Islander aircraft for the cordon, but declined to give operational details.

Also, teams from Marine Landing Battalion-3 are watching possible escape routes the MNLF may take. — DVM, GMA News