At least 22 people were killed and scores taken hostage when a band of separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels attacked a remote mining town in Zamboanga del Norte before dawn yesterday, the military reported. The rebels took 15 hostages, including the wife and son of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte Mayor Cesar Soriano, whom they intended to use as “human shields” against pursuing troops. All but four of the hostages were rescued around noon, including Soriano’s wife and son. The mayor’s brother, town councilor Boboy Soriano, was among the remaining captives. A senior military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said there were “many civilian casualties because it was the eve of the fiesta.” Up to 26 people were wounded, The Associated Press reported, quoting officials. Full Story
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