Philippine rebels take hundreds hostage

At least 200 people have been taken hostage in southern Philippines after rebels rampaged through coastal communities, leaving at least six people dead, local news reports say. The fighting happened after troops backed by tanks blocked Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels from marching into Zamboanga city to raise their flag at a city hall, military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said on Monday. Al Jazeera's Bernard Smith reports.