The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels held some civilians hostage in Zamboanga City after a clash with government troops erupted Sunday evening.

Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle Climaco said at least 20 civilians are now being used as "human shields" by the MNLF rebels who are trying to take over the city.



Climaco said she received a report that a soldier died but she has no figures on the number of injured. She said some 400 MNLF rebels are involved in the ongoing skirmishes.



ABS-CBN News Zamboanga reports 2 civilians died and 4 were wounded after rebels attacked jeepney passengers in Barangay Talon-Talon.