Misuari Supporters Take Scores Hostage in Philippines

19/05/2001| IslamWeb

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (Islamweb & News Agencies) - Gunmen loyal to Nur Misuari, a rebellious governor took scores of civilians hostage in the southern Philippines on Tuesday after they were pounded by helicopter gunships and bomber planes, Red Cross officials said.
Red Cross officials and residents said at least 160 people, including women and children, were seized.
Later, the gunmen had broken out of a complex of buildings they were holed up in to take the hostages and force an uneasy stand-off with the military, residents and officials said.
Local radio said at least one civilian was killed and seven were wounded in cross-fire. There was no independent confirmation.
Officials said the fighting was between troops and a group of followers of Misuari, a former rebel chief who took up arms against the government again last week.
Misuari was arrested in neighboring Malaysia at the weekend. On November 19, hundreds of his followers attacked a military post on the southern island of Jolo and at least 160 people were killed in the subsequent fighting.