( CNN ) -- The hostage standoff between Philippines forces and separatist rebels is over , a military spokesman said Friday . Government forces killed 15 of the rebels and rescued six hostages in fighting that began Thursday and lasted into early Friday , Armed Forces spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said . The freed hostages told troops they believe no one else is being held by the separatist group , the Moro National Liberation Front , which took 180 people hostage in the coastal city of Zamboanga more than two weeks ago . Efforts to negotiate the hostages ' release failed , resulting in intense bursts of fighting that had left 158 people dead as of Thursday , including 125 members of the MNLF , the government-run Philippines News Agency said . Troops have captured 186 rebels and are now in a clearing operation to sweep the region of any remaining rebels , Zagala said . `` We have severely diminished the numbers of the faction , but we will not rest until we have cleared the area , '' he said . The rebels are part of the MNLF , a separatist movement founded in 1971 by Nur Misuari with the aim of establishing an autonomous region for Muslims in the mainly Catholic Philippines . The MNLF signed a peace deal with the central government in Manila in 1996 , but some of its members have broken away to continue a violent campaign . At least 3 dead in Philippines bombing . CNN 's Tim Schwarz , Kathy Quiano and Jethro Mullen contributed to this report .
Zamboanga military says all hostages freed from separatist group in Philippines . Troops killed six rebels , freed 15 hostages in overnight fighting , spokesman says . The military says it 's sweeping the region for any remaining rebels .