U.S. calls for peace, calm in Zamboanga

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): U.S. calls for peace, calm in Zamboanga

The U.S. government on Monday expressed its condolences to those killed and wounded in the insurgent attacks in Zamboanga and surrounding areas as it called for “peace and calm to prevail” in the current situation.

At least three people were killed while 10 others were wounded as Muslim rebels attacked Zamboanga City Monday morning.

“Whether they were brave members of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PNP (Philippine National Police) or civilians facing their future one day at a time, we share your sorrow at the loss of friends and loved ones,” the embassy said in a statement.

Reports said around 100 armed followers of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) former chairman Nur Misuari forced their way through the city and took dozens of civilian hostages.

The MNLF used to be the largest Muslim rebel group seeking a separate state in Mindanao until it dropped secessionist demand and settled for limited autonomy or the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao under a 1996 peace agreement.

But many of its guerillas held on to their firearms and periodically staged rebellions in the past, complaining the government has reneged on its promise to develop full Muslim regions.

“We pray for peace and for calm to prevail in the current situation, that it be resolved soon and without further loss of life to anyone,” it added.

The embassy likewise expressed its support for the men and women of the police and military, saying “they are professionals dedicated to protecting their communities.”

“We fully support the ongoing peace process and hope the parties can continue to avoid violence as they work toward a final resolution that will last for generations and benefit all the people of the Philippines,” the embassy said.

The Indonesian Embassy in Manila said it is awaiting orders from Jakarta on the MNLF’s demand for them to intervene in the ongoing armed conflict in Zamboanga City.

“A report was already given to our head office in Jakarta and the embassy is awaiting for further instructions,” the Indonesian embassy said.

Indonesia currently chairs the Organization of Islamic Conference-Peace Committee for Southern Philippines (OIC-PCSP), which brokered the 1992-1996 peace talks between the government and the MNLF under Misuari’s leadership. The talks eventually led to the signing of the peace pact.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=563879