Philippines declares end to rebel siege

THE Philippine military declared victory after a nearly three-week siege by separatist Muslim rebels in a major southern city, officials say.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said on Saturday the rebels had been defeated in Zamboanga, but acknowledged that their field commander was still unaccounted for.

"Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin declares Zamboanga standoff over ... still searching for Commander Habier Malik," his Twitter account announced on the 20th day of the standoff.

Malik led a rebel faction of the Moro National Liberation Front in attacking the city to declare an independent Bangsamoro Republic.

The guerrillas said the government had abandoned a peace agreement signed in 1996.

Soldiers conducted clearing operations and searches for explosives Saturday as normal life resumed in the seaside city of about 800,000 inhabitants.

"We are sure there is no one left among members of Misuari faction," military spokesman Brigadier General Domingo Tutaan was quoted saying by broadcaster ANC.

Tutaan said 375 rebels had been killed, captured or surrendered.

The military reported 18 soldiers, five police and 12 civilians among the dead.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said all the hostages held by the rebels have been accounted for.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said more than 110,000 people had been displaced and more than 10,000 houses were burned or suffered damage in the clashes.

Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman said the government faces a humanitarian refugee crisis.

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