Palace: Govt won't hesitate to use force to end Zambo conflict

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 12): Palace: Govt won't hesitate to use force to end Zambo conflict

The government will not hesitate to use force to end the fighting between government troops and followers of Nur Misuari-led Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Zamboanga City, Malacañang warned Thursday.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said perpetrators of the Zamboanga City attack-- which entered its fourth day on Thursday-- and similar lawless elements taking advantage of the conflict would suffer the full brunt of the law.

"The forces of the state are ready to exercise the resolve of the government. While the government is exhausting all avenues for a peaceful resolution to the situation, let it be clear to those defying that they should not entertain the illusion that the state will hesitate to use its forces to protect our people," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement.

When asked if the government is imposing an ultimatum to the MNLF men, Lacierda said: "The armed group in Zamboanga can take the statement as it is."

Lacierda said the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the extremist Abu Sayyaf group (ASG) have taken advantage of the situation but sternly warned them that their efforts will fail.

On Thursday morning, around 150 members of BIFF and ASG attacked Lamitan City in Basilan and engaged government troops to a two-hour firefight.

"As for others who seek to take advantage of the situation, you will fail... The BIFF and ASG assumed they could take advantage of the situation. They were wrong. As others who will also make similar attempts will be proven wrong," Lacierda said.

The Palace official also assured the residents of conflict-stricken areas in Zamboanga that the government continues to provide aid especially to those displaced by the fighting.

"The President has directed national government agencies to attend to the needs of the people of Zamboanga City and the BASULTA by providing basic supplies through the DOTC and DTI. We have asked the BSP to ensure sufficient supplies of currency," he said.

He also asked for the cooperation of the residents to listen only to authorities and not believe on rumors spread through anonymous text messages.

He noted that rumors of abductions of religious leaders are not true.

"We ask further cooperation from the people of Zamboanga City: We reiterate that there are people relishing this situation and who seek to inflame passions for various reasons. Please understand that rumors of abductions of religious leaders and firefights that did not take place, which are spread through anonymous text messages, aim to take advantage of you. Instead, listen to the authorities, who will give you the truth all the time," he said.

Malacañang has repeatedly said that the government is exhausting all peaceful means to resolve the conflict the soonest possible time.

Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) Secretary Ricky Carandang said there is no plan for President Benigno Aquino III to go to Zamboanga soon, contrary to reports that came out in the papers.

"It's been discussed, but there's no plan to go. If he decides to go, we'll let you know," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=565093