Rebels take hundreds hostage in Philippines - Suspected Muslim rebels have attacked several villages on the outskirts of the southern Philippine city of Zamboanga and taken hundreds of people hostage, according to the city's mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco.

Suspected Muslim rebels have attacked several villages on the outskirts of the southern Philippine city of Zamboanga and taken hundreds of people hostage, according to the city’s mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco. 

“HOSTAGES: 200 at Sta. Catalina Mosque, 20 at Talon-Talon Mosque, 10 at CAMACOP. undetermined no. in SDK bldg, Fernandez Store, and Lustre,” a Tweet on the city’s official account reads. The city also tweeted that at least 2,500 people are fleeing the area. 

The hostages include women and children. 

Claire Jose, a regional health officer and resident of Zamboanga, told Al Jazeera that the city looked like a “ghost town” because of a widespread shutdown.

Officials say they’re worried that the attackers might use the captives as “human shields.”

The military received information about an “armed aggression” last night, Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, a military spokesman, said.

At least six people, including a navy soldier, a police officer, and four civilians, have been killed, military officials said after the pre-dawn attack on Monday. Complete Story

At least 200 people have been taken hostage in southern Philippines after rebels rampaged through coastal communities, leaving at least six people dead, local news reports say. The fighting happened after troops backed by tanks blocked Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels from marching into Zamboanga city to raise their flag at a city hall, military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said on Monday. Al Jazeera’s Bernard Smith reports.