that around 20 mlf fighters are holding up to 15 people hostage in the crowded neighbourhood of rio hond. the done men fled after a night-time battle at sea where their flotilla was intercepted by a navy chrome. >> lieutenant colonel is here with us. is the hostage situation continuing? >> yes, it is. unfortunately there has been host inls held by the rogue -- hostages held by the rogue break away group. currently we are trying to contain, to prevent it from spilling over to other cities. >> while you are focused on preventing it spreading, are you in negotiations with the mill tants to end the situation? >> to begin with, the chronology of event, we monitored this group of rogue - break away group entering the costal towns of santa barbara, kata leana and others. they will attempt to go to the city hall and raise their flag. last night the armed forces of the philippines deployed several troops in and around the city and prior to them arriving at at 1.45 in the morning, we engaged the small group, and as a result the encounter ensued for about 10 minutes. sips their arrival -- since the