MANILA - President Aquino will stay in Zamboanga City for now as the fighting between Moro National Liberation Front and government troops reaches its 9th day, a Palace spokesman said Tuesday. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda refused to disclose where the President is staying in Zamboanga City and when he will come back to Manila. He said Aquino's continued presence in Zamboanga shows the President's confidence in the military. "The President is there. He is the commander-in-chief. A military option is being exercised right now. He gives support, he gives directions. He plays a big role, He inspires the Armed Forces, the police force and the city government," he told Palace reporters. He also said he will leave it to the Philippine National Police to respond to reports that Zamboanga City Police chief Sr. Supt. Chiquito Malayo was abducted by MNLF fighters in Arena Blanco area. Dozens of people trapped in a deadly urban battle between Moro rebels and Philippine troops rushed to safety Tuesday as the guerrillas lost ground in more heavy fighting, authorities said. Sixty-one people have died and 70,000 residents been displaced since the standoff in the major southern city of Zamboanga began more than a week ago when hundreds of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) gunmen sought to plant an independence flag. Hundreds of other civilians had remained trapped as the rebels sought shelter from a military assault in the Muslim neighborhoods of the city, with the military saying the guerrillas were using some residents as hostages or human shields. The military said Tuesday that a sustained offensive, which began on Friday and included helicopter rocket attacks, was proving a success. With a report by Agence France-Presse
