ZAMBOANGA, Philippines – Muslim rebels belonging to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) clashed with troops on Monday (September 23rd), officials said according to AFP.

The fighting in the centre of Mindanao came as a standoff with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Zamboanga entered its third week.

BIFF forces attacked pro-government volunteers in Midsayap before dawn but retreated when military reinforcements arrived, said regional army spokesman Dickson Hermoso.

One soldier was killed while residents reported seeing four dead BIFF guerrillas being carried away by their comrades.

The rebels then took 15 schoolteachers and farmers to use as human shields against pursuit although they released some of them later, Hermoso said, adding that three hostages remain and a local Muslim preacher has been sent to negotiate their release.

Both Hermoso and BIFF spokesman Abu Misry Mama said the latest fighting was not related to the MNLF conflict.

MG-520 attack helicopters in Zamboanga were seen firing rockets and machineguns at the remaining MNLF members still hiding in the city.

Despite the deaths of 102 rebels and the capture or surrender of over 100 others, almost 50 MNLF fighters remain at large, holding 20 hostages, said police regional spokesman Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca.