MNLF rebels release five hostages , four of them children , as stand-off enters second day . Authorities said it was unclear how many hostages were still being held by the estimated 300 armed Muslim rebels in the blockaded areas of Zamboanga City , a mainly Christian city on the southern coast of Mindanao . An estimated 180 were trapped by fighting but it was unclear how many people were hostage . - The Philippines and the United States announce that they will hold a joint naval exercise in the South China Sea next month to test their ability to counter Chinese military expansion. At least six people were killed yesterday in clashes between the rebels and armed forces .
MNLF rebels release five hostages , four of them children , as stand-off enters second day . An estimated 180 were trapped by fighting but it was unclear how many people were hostage . - The Philippines and the United States announce that they will hold a joint naval exercise in the South China Sea next month to test their ability to counter Chinese military expansion. At least six people were killed yesterday in clashes between the rebels and armed forces .