3rd PMA graduate killed in Zamboanga

 The long-drawn conflict in Zamboanga City has claimed the life of another Philippine Military Academy (PMA) graduate as government security forces continued with their clearing operations within the constricted area to flush out the remaining members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

   Army spokesman Lt. Col. Randolf  Cabangbang on Tuesday identified the latest fatality as first Lt. Francis Damina, 28, a member of PMA Class 2008.

   Damian is the third military officer killed in Zamboanga in a span of 15 days.

   Cabangbang said that Damian was wounded during a clearing operation in Barangay Santa Barbara on Monday.

    The fallen officer is assigned to the 33^rd Light Reaction Battalion, Special Operations Command.

    First to fall was first Lt. Kristopher Rama, a native  of Norzagaray, Bulacan and a member of PMA Class of 2008. He was shot dead by a MNLF sniper on September 1 9.

   Rama was followed by 2^nd Lt.Florencio Mikael Meneses, 27, member of PMA Class 2008.

   Meneses was wounded on September 13 while his troops were conducting clearing operations at Barangay Catalina. He died at Ciudad Zamboanga Hospital from gun shots wounds in various parts of his body.          

     Meanwhile, Lt Col. Ramon Zagala, chief Public Affairs Office, Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday that six more hostages have been rescued by soldiers in Barangay Catalina.

     “We are still conducting clearing operations. We have rescued six more hostages,” he said.

      Zagala claimed that there were only small of resistance from the remaining MNLF who were already running out of ammunitions.

      But the situation, Zagala stressed, remains critical because they have to meticulously conduct a house- to- house search in the constricted area.

                                                                        WILLIAM B. DIMASUPIL   (MANILA TIMES)