Philippine rebels take hundreds hostage

At least 170 people have been taken hostage in southern Philippines after fighters rampaged through coastal communities, leaving at least six people dead.

Clashes occurred after troops backed by tanks blocked fighters associated with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), from marching into Zamboanga city to raise their flag at a city hall, military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said on Monday.

At least six people, including a naval soldier, were killed and about 220 civilians were taken hostage by the fighters, military officials said after the pre-dawn attack. 

Zagala said the hostages, of which 170 are still being held, were being used as a "human shield".

Abdul Sahrin, secretary-general of the MNLF, blamed the faction of fighter leader Nur Misuari for carrying out the attack.

Misuari is a former MNLF leader, who previously entered into a peace agreement with the Philippine government. 

Emmanuel Fontanilla, a spokesman for Misuari, blamed the military for the attack: "We did not attack. If there was no offensive, there would have been no clashes."

Fontanilla said the group had planned protest action in Zamboanga, similar to last week's gathering in the city of Davao, which ended peacefully.

He said though that before they could launch the protest, the military attacked, forcing the MNLF to take "defensive action".