Wescom maintains intensified monitoring of MNLF group in Palawan

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 10): Wescom maintains intensified monitoring of MNLF group in Palawan

The Western Command here says it remains to maintain its intensified monitoring of the activities of the Moro National Liberation Front since its leader Nur Misuari declared “independence” anew and following heavy fighting in Zamboanga City between the Moro fighters and the military.

Wescom spokesperson Lt. Cheryl Tindog told the Philippines News Agency Tuesday that “since the beginning,” they have “been on alert and monitoring the development of the security situation in the province involving the MNLF.”

“We are constantly in communication with the MNLF leadership in Palawan to ensure that we are on the same ground towards peace. So far, the MNLF had already made a statement that they shall uphold the peace covenant and that Palawan shall remain a peace zone,” Tindog said.

She added that Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, commander of the Wescom, is happy that the MNLF group in the province has chosen to side with those who seek a peaceful solution rather than join those who are currently in Zamboanga City holding residents as hostages to gain their goals.

“But still all our units are on alert to guarantee the security in Palawan. We are also calling on our locals to remain vigilant and continue supporting the military in guarding the peace and the situation in the whole of Palawan,” she added.

Tindog said there are more or less 80 members of the MNLF living in Palawan, and some of their sub-leaders had been invited to proceed also to Davao for a conference-meeting but they were unable to leave due to lack of financial support.

Meanwhile, senior MNLF Palawan leader Estino Jairi Ayyobie said majority of their members in the province are for the continuance of the peace talk with the national government.

Ayyobie, in an interview with a local radio station, said no top MNLF leader in Palawan is in the clash in Zamboanga, and that there is no need for violence to resolve the problem between the government and the Moros.

“We cannot resolve the problem if we will not sit together to talk about it. Each side needs to reach out to be able to see peace happening, and not use force to achieve it,” he said.

Ayyobie reiterated that Palawan will remain a “Zone of Peace” unless a directive from their leadership or Misuari changes this.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=564234