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 . MNLF rebels release five hostages , four of them children , as stand - off enters second day . An estimated 180 were killed by fighting but it was unclear how many people were hostage . A rebel told local media that the group had been holding 35 hostages . 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 killed by fighting but it was unclear how many people were hostage . A rebel told local media that the group had been holding 35 hostages . At least six people were killed yesterday in clashes between the rebels and armed forces .