Released MNLF hostages glad after rescue

MANILA -- Government troops rescued 36 hostages from Moro National Liberation Front (MLNF) gunmen in Zamboanga City on Monday night, the military said. An initial 26 hostages were rescued in Lustre Drive, Barangay Sta. Catalina, the Army's Joint Special Operations Group said in a report. They were freed by troops from the 7th Scout Ranger Company at around 6:45 p.m., according to Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, commander of the Army's 7th Civil Relations Group. They were brought to the Southern City Colleges, where they rested and given food. They were later brought to Camp Batalla for documentation and investigation. Another 10 were freed later in the night, the city government said. They were also brought to the police camp. - Umagang Kay Ganda, 17 September 2013