PHILIPPINE FORCES RETAKE 80 PERCENT OF MNLF-HELD AREAS IN ZAMBOANGA

Manila, 12 Dzulqa’idah 1434/18 September 2013 (MINA) – Philippine Government security forces have retaken 80 percent of the areas earlier controlled by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters.

This was announced by Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy director for operations, Deputy Director Felipe Rojas, Jr., as the standoff entered its 10th day Wednesday, Philippines News Agency (PNA) quoted by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

“If we’re talking percentages, we estimate MNLF presence in only about 20 percent. Most of the MNLF had either surrendered or had been killed,” he said in a radio interview.

Rojas, however, did not identified the areas still held by the MNLF fighters.

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The standoff started last Sept. 9 when the MNLF took civilian hostages and holed up in several parts of the city.

Rojas said they are just focusing on one area where shots were heard, though not as frequently in past days.

He also said that the PNP is now starting its clearing operations with search efforts focused on improvised explosive devices.

But in past days, several hostages had been either freed or managed to escape, while the government implemented a calibrated response to the MNLF.

MNLF fighters have released Zamboanga City police officer-in-charge Sr. Supt. Jose Chiquito Malayo and his two companions whom they seized earlier Tuesday in this city.

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The report said that Malayo and his companions were freed in exchange for the safe surrender of the Basilan-based rebels who seized them.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said there were already a total of 123 hostages who were rescued.

Peace talk

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III has been in Zamboanga since Friday to oversee the handling of the worst security crisis his administration has faced since he came to power in 2010.

The rebels, led by Nur Misuari, signed a peace deal in 1996, but the guerrillas did not lay down their arms and later accused the government of reneging on a promise to develop long-neglected Muslim regions in the south of the predominantly Roman Catholic nation.

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The rebels have become increasingly restive in recent months as they have been overshadowed by a rival rebel group that engaged Aquino’s government in peace talks brokered by Malaysia.

The talks have steadily progressed towards a new and potentially larger autonomy deal for minority Muslims in the south. (T/P09/E1).

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA).