Fresh fighting is reported as troops in the Philippines have surrounded six villages in the south of the country where hundreds of fighters linked to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) are holding at least 170 hostages.Six military tanks went into the area. 'The standoff began a day earlier after MNLF fighters marched into Zamboanga city to raise their flag at a city hall', military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said. At least six people, including a naval soldier, were killed when the Philippine Navy tried to block the rebels and about 220 civilians were initially taken hostage by the fighters, military officials said after the pre-dawn attack. Zagala said the hostages were being used as a ‘human shield’ by up to 300 MNLF fighters.

Pray: for a breakthrough that will bring a resolution to this conflict and peace to this land. (Ps.37:37)

More: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2013/09/20139106147258221.html