Wounded volunteers recall experience in Zambo

MANILA – Several Red Cross volunteers on Tuesday recalled their experience during the height of the siege in Zamboanga City. The Red Cross volunteers were injured after a mortar exploded along Lustre Street in Barangay Santa Catalina last Friday. At least 12 were injured in the explosion, including government troops, Red Cross volunteers and members of the media. Dr. Victor Liozo, chapter administrator of Red Cross Zamboanga, said Red Cross volunteers will continue to serve in the ongoing crisis, which began last week after Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters under Nur Misuari laid siege to the city. At least 71 MNLF gunmen have been killed by government troops since the fighting started last week, the military said. Another 64 separatist rebels have also been arrested, the military said. Nine soldiers and police officers have lost their lives in the siege while 98 others were injured. Seven civilians have been killed while 39 others were hurt. The fighting has displaced more than 72,000 people.