Date: 09 September 2013
Source: GMA News
Updated 9:55 a.m.) Some 100 armed followers of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) former chairman Nur Misuari have entered Zamboanga City Monday and taken at least 20 people hostage, city mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said.
In an interview over radio dzBB, Climaco-Salazar said the city government has declared “no classes and no work” due to the tense situation.
“As of now 20 people are being held hostage. (We believe) the main target of the MNLF in encroaching Zamboanga City is to (declare) independence in City Hall. We are securing City Hall,” she said in an interview on dzBB radio.
The Philippine Information Agency, however, reported on its Facebook account that the
MNLF men had 30 hostages, including children.
Citing initial information reaching her, Climaco-Salazar said the hostage-taking occurred at Barangay Sta. Catalina.
But a separate dzBB report said that while classes and work had been suspended, operations at the city’s airport continued as of 7 a.m.
The mayor also said they are establishing evacuation centers for residents of at least three villages whose residents were evacuated earlier Monday.
She added the city government was not advised that the armed men were to escort MNLF chairman Nur Misuari in the area.
Also, she asked the national government to hold dialogues with the MNLF outside Zamboanga City.
“We do not want dialogues held in Zamboanga City. The people of Zamboanga City are not part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” she said.
Soldier killed
Earlier Monday, a soldier was killed, while at least six others were wounded, during a clash between the armed forces and suspected MNLF gunmen before dawn in Zamboanga City.
Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines public information office, said the encounter occurred off the coast of Rio Hondo in Zamboanga City.
Citing initial reports, Zagala said the encounter involved suspected MNLF fighters and the Naval Special Operations Group.
“‘Yung malungkot, may isang kasundaluhan na namatay at may mga wounded,” he said over dzBB radio.
Zagala added that they were verifying if some MNLF fighters managed to enter the city proper.
Meanwhile, Maj. Harold Cabunoc, commander of the Philippine Army’s 7th Civil Relations Group, said the gunbattle occurred at 1:45 a.m.
“Let’s offer a minute (of) prayer for the fallen soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country,” Cabunoc said on his Twitter account.
100 armed followers
Initial reports from the military said some “100 more or less” armed followers of the MNLF’s former chairman Nur Misuari were involved in the encounter.
An earlier dzBB report said the encounter started at 1 a.m. when the Misuari gunmen approached the city via the coastal village of Mariki.
The fighters exchanged gunfire with Navy personnel and members of Task Force Zamboanga. At least one suspected Misuari fighter was reported wounded in the shootout.
Residents in Mariki, Sta. Barbara and Rio Hondo villages were evacuated because of the clashes. Businesses were also closed and classes were suspended in the city, radio dzBB’s correspondent JV Francisco reported.
Following the encounter, security was tightened in the city, with military and police personnel establishing security checkpoints.
The city government is to convene its crisis management council Monday morning.
Apprehend armed men
Climaco-Salazar said she has instructed police and military forces in the city to “apprehend all persons who are armed.”
“Lahat ng walang license to carry guns should be apprehended by the police and military,” she said.
At 8:40 a.m. Monday, the Zamboanga City government announced on its Twitter account that
11 MNLF members were arrested in the city.
Tension spread
A separate report by dzBB’s JV Francisco said the MNLF members had reached the area near Zamboanga City Hall and the Hall of Justice.
Media were kept away from the area and brought to a nearby hotel, the report added.
But the dzBB report said explosions similar to those from rocket-propelled grenades were heard.
The MNLF had demanded to be allowed to march down Zamboanga City Hall so they can display their flag as a declaration of independence, state-run Philippine Information Agency reported.
In posts on its social networking accounts, the PIA in Western Mindanao said the MNLF men had 30 hostages, including children.
Task Force Zamboanga head Col. Andrelino Colina said in an interview over dzBB radio the MNLF is “trying hard to move forward to the center of the city.”
“What complicates matters, may ginagamit na civilian na human shield, ginagamit na hostages,” Colina said.
In the meantime, he said the task force has deployed personnel to the city’s east coast to watch out for MNLF members who may try to enter the city.
Barangay tanods, bantay dagat alerted; Red Cross ready
The city has also ordered its barangay watchmen and watchmen at the coastal areas to be alert against the possible entry of more MNLF members.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Red Cross prepared to assist residents affected by the clashes, radio dzBB’s Rodil Vega reported.
The dzBB report also said the Red Cross appealed to the MNLF not to use human shields.
US envoy airs concern over Zambo clash
Outgoing United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. on Monday aired concern over the deadly predawn clash and subsequent tension in Zamboanga City.
Thomas, in a post on his Twitter account, said his “thoughts and prayers” go to the city’s peace-loving people and Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar.
