MNLF commander, 7 members arrested in Zamboanga City

MANILA, Philippines—A commander of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and seven of his men surrendered Tuesday morning, police said.

Police Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, Region IX police spokesman, identified the MNLF commander as Salip Idjal.

He told INQUIRER.net in a phone interview that the eight Moro rebels were now in the custody of the Zamboanga city police.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Huesca said a total of 32 MNLF gunmen had surrendered.

Zamboanga City government, confirmed in a post on Twitter the surrender, which happened at around 8 a.m. on Martha Drive in Barangay Santa Catalina, in Zamboanga City.

He said clearing operations by the government troops were ongoing.

No further details were given as of posting time.

Originally posted at 3:30 p.m.