Monday, September 16, 2013

Don't broadcast positions of soldiers -- AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 16): Don't broadcast positions of soldiers -- AFP

With the Zamboanga City standoff now on its second week, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) appealed to journalists covering the crisis not to broadcast the locations of soldiers conducting security and cordoning operations to safeguard their lives.

"A respectful appeal to media: Join us in safeguarding lives of soldiers in Zamboanga by refraining from posting their current locations," the AFP said.

Police and soldiers had engaged the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in a standoff since last week, where the group had taken several civilians hostage.

On Monday, fighting resumed in at least two villages in the city.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima appealed to the public to insulate state security forces from "intrigues and politics."

"Let us protect, insulate our fighting soldiers and police troopers from intrigues, politics. They are our true heroes," he said.

Purisima also posted a link to the PNP's Facebook page where a post asked the public to "allow our troops to do the job that they do best-- to protect the people from harm and defend the state and national institutions at all cost, even at the expense of their own lives."

In its Facebook post, the PNP reassured the public its combat support systems are "fully functional to ensure prompt replenishment of supplies such as ammunition and fuel; and replacement of equipment in the battlefront."

"This support system is almost seamless and designed to keep our troops in the best fighting form. If at all, there are situations when food rations cannot be delivered on time, it is understandably due to the exigency of the situation, nonetheless, more than enough supplies are available such that some units can afford to share supplies with affected residents and evacuees," it added.

It was referring to speculations that government troops may lack food and supplies.

"This dark episode will soon be over. Zamboanga will be back on its feet. The rule of law will prevail. The people will win. And peace will be restored," it added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=566157

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