Zamboanga City Crisis, a Photo Collection in Honor of the Officers and Men of the AFP and PNP

As the situation in Zamboanga City continues with the defiance of rogue MNLF units to stand down and surrender, it seems that this crisis will still take a few days, or even weeks more.

MaxDefense decided to tribute the people's champion, the soldiers and police officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippine and Philippine National Police, together with countless brave volunteers from the Philippine Red Cross, with this collection of photos taken from Zamboanga City.

Evacuating citizens of Zamboanga City trying to board vehicles bound for temporary evacuation centers. 

Residents running away for safety from the scene of fighting.

An army Simba armored vehicle positioned near Baranggay Rio Hondo in Zamboanga City.

Affected citizens evacuating after MNLF bandits burn their houses.

A Kia KM-450 vehcile from the Army's 32nd Infantry Battalion, troops responding on the first day of the crisis.

The first group of Philippine Army troops that responded on the first day. Note the number of onlookers.

Army troops securing the Zamboanga City General Hospital which is near the conflict zone during the 1st day of the crisis

1st group of Philippine Army soldiers deployed preparing to move in by foot to the conflict area. 

An Army soldier from Task Force Zamboanga armed with a recoilless rifle awaits instructions.

Army soldiers marching towards the conflict zone. Photo taken from TV11 Zamboanga.

Philippine Army troops marching to the conflict zone after arriving in Zamboanga City on the 1st day of the conflict.

Philippine Marine troops marching towards the conflict zone after being offloaded near the city center. Photo taken from Associated Press.

Army soldiers with Simba armored vehicle.

Simba armored vehicles from the Philippine Army Mechanized Infantry Division mobilizing upon arrival at Zamboanga City. 

Soldiers and armored vehicles moving in.

A column of Philippine Army Simba armored vehicles from the Mechanized Infantry Division. 

A group of Philippine Marine troops discussing their plan of action before moving in. A Philippine Army Simba armored vehicle in the background. Photo taken from Reuters, dated September 12, 2013.

Marine troopers pray before moving in. Photo taken from Reuters, dated September 12, 2013.

One of the Marine troopers from MBLT-3 responding to the crisis. 

Philippine Marine Corps soldiers from Marine Battalion Landing Team 3 (MBLT-3) take positions along the city center area.

MBLT-3 Marine soldiers moving in.

Marines from Marine Battalion Landing Team 3 (MBLT-3) moving in.

PNP Regional Public Safety police officers secures and take position at one of the buildings near the MNLF bandit's strongholds.

Soldiers found some hidden weapons stored in rice bags being moved around, one of them is this. Photo taken from Reuters, September 11, 2013.

A Philippine Marine gunner positioning to secure a checkpoint. Photo taken from Reuters, dated September 11, 2013.

An army sniper armed with an M24 sniper rifle and M16 assault rifle takes position along Lustre Street in Zamboanga City.

An Army sniper armed with a Stoner SR-25 Mk. 11 sniper rifle scanning for targets.

Philippine Army troops positioned at the back of Simba armored vehicles while awaiting for signal to move in.

Simba armored vehicles from the Army take positions along Sta Catalina Road opposite to MNLF strongholds. Photo taken from Reuters, dated September 12, 2013.

Marines positioned on one side, Army on the other side.

Marines taking position. Photo taken from AFP.

Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) troops march to the conflict area backed by armored Humvees from the Philippine Army and V-150 armored vehicles from the PNP-SAF. 

Fresh troops from the PNP Special Action Force together with Army armored Humvees and PNP V-150 armored vehicles.

PNP-SAF police commandos moving in while Zamboanga City police SWAT members looks. 

PNP-SAF police commandos moving in to the scene of fighting.

Residents scramble to fetch water to douse burning hourses. Photo and caption taken from Reuters, dated September 12, 2013.

Army soldiers at the intersection of Sta. Catalina Road and Lustre Street open fire on MNLF positions. Photo taken from Reuters, dated September 12, 2013. 

Army Scout Rangers preparing for an assault along Lustre Street. Take note of their appearance as compared to all other units from the Philippine military. 

Philippine Marine troops run across the street opposite positions of MNLF bandits. Take note of the M14 battle rifle carried by the soldiers.

Philippine Marine troops run across the street opposite positions of MNLF bandits. 

Inside the turret of a Simba armored vehicle.

A sniper armed with a Stoner SR-25 Mk.11 sniper rifle check for targets. Photo taken from AFP.

Philippine National Police Regional Public Safety police officers receives a surrendering MNLF bandit.

A Philippine Air Force MD-520MG gunship taking aerial reconnaissance of the conflict zone.

An Army UAV used during the conflict maneuvering for another pass at the enemy's positions.

MD-520MG gunships of the Philippine Air Force on ready for any sudden mission.

Bell UH-1H Huey combat utility helicopters stand ready at Edwin Andrews Air Base.

Army troopers secure chokepoints leading to the conflict zone.

Zamboanga City police officers securing the city center.

Zamboanga City police officers checking a vehicle as part of security measures.

Army soldiers and Simba armored vehicle posted near the conflict area.

Army soldiers take position at the intersection of Lustre and Evangelista Streets just near the combat zone. 

Some of the Philippine Air Force's UH-1H Huey combat utility helicopters providing support from Edwin Andrews Air Base.

Firefighters scrambling to take out the fire after MNLF bandits torched houses.

2 MD-520MG gunships at Edwin Andews Air Base, ready to fly in when needed.

A W-3A Sokol combat utility helicopter and a MD-520MG gunship on ready at Edwin Andrews Air Base while Zamboanga City's coastal baranggays are in flames.

PAF W-3 Sokol and MD-520MG attack gunship in Edwin Andrews Air Base while parts of the city burn after MNLF bandits torched houses. 

A Philippine Air Force C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft bringing in supplies at nearby Edwin Andrews Air Base.

Army troops and armored vehicles take position near Lustre Street in Zamboanga City, just opposite the MNLF bandit's positions. 

Residents evacuate as houses burn during the clashes. Photo taken from Reuters dated September 12, 2013.

A resident tries to douse water to burning houses. Photo taken from Reuters dated September 12, 2013.

Residents scrambling after houses were deliberately set on fire by MNLF bandits.

Residents desperately saving their houses from a fire using water buckets.

An army Scout Ranger giving instruction near burning houses.

An aerial photo showing parts of Zamboanga City in flames after MNLF bandits set these areas on fire intentionally. 

A Simba armored vehicle, with Baranggay Sta. Catalina burning. 

An Army Scout Ranger taking position under the cover of a Simba armored vehicle. Photo taken from Reuters dated September 12, 2013.

Snipers manning the roof take a shot at an MNLF target. Photo taken from Rappler.com

Philippine Marine troops engaged in a firefight with MNLF bandits. 

Army infantry (right) and Scout Rangers (left) with a Simba armored vehicle from the Mechanized Infantry Division. Photo taken from Associated Press.

Philippine Marine troops take cover, while a Simba armored vehicle gives cover fire. This is at the intersection of near Lustre Street. 

Army troops taking positions during a firefight with MNLF bandits.

Army troops and armored vehicles in a firefight with MNLF bandits. Photo taken from Reuters, dated September 12, 2013.

A Simba armored vehicle firing on MNLF positions at the end of Lustre Street in Zamboanga City. Photo from Reuters. 

Empty city streets of Zamboanga after citizens are forced to vacate their homes to safer areas until the situation settles down.

Police from PNP SAF and Regional Public Safety Office check on their colleague after being injured. 

Another injured army soldier awaiting medical attention. 

Philippine Red Cross volunteers moving in after taking a wounded volunteer after being injured from a nearby explosion. 

Philippine Red Cross volunteers evacuating an injured volunteer after being hit by a mortar round. Photo taken from Rappler. 

Philippine Red Cross volunteers evacuating wounded soldiers and fellow Red Cross volunteers after a mortar round was dropped in their location

An injured Army soldier awaiting evacuation after being hit by a mortar shrapnel. 

Soldiers evacuating injured troops and Red Cross volunteers. 

Army soldiers checking their injured companions while Red Cross volunteers move in to evacuate them.

An army soldier directing his companions after one of their comrades was injured. 

One of the injured Red Cross volunteers awaiting evacuation from the frontline. Photo taken from Rappler.

Soldiers carrying their injured comrade after being hit by mortar round from MNLF bandits. Photo taken from Rappler.

Mediamen taking cover behind a Simba armored vehicle from the Philippine Army to avoid being hit by MNLF snipers. Photo taken from GMA News.

A Scorpion light tank from the Philippine Army's Mechanized Infantry Division being loaded to a Philippine Air Force C-130 Hercules transport aircraft bound for Zamboanga City.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III assisting in giving relief supplies for distribution to the affected citizens of Zamboanga City.

Philippine Marine Corps soldiers taking some snack and rest from a hectic day. Photo taken from Reuters, dated September 12, 2013. 

A Marine heavy weapons trooper resting. Photo from Reuters.

An army trooper taking a break a some snacks.

After heavy fighting these Marine soldiers take some rest while their comrades take over their duties for the moment. Photo taken from Reuters, dated September 12, 2013.

Army soldiers securing a street rests under a shade while awaiting further orders. 

Soldiers patrol the main boulevard in Zamboanga City to make sure the area is secured.

Let us remember the sacrifices of our soldiers and police officers, those who died and got injured during the course of the crisis, for their bravery and service to the country and people. Prayers and support for our men in uniform, and to the people of Zamboanga City.