Body with Malik's ID not that of MNLF commander

From GMA News (Sep 30): Body with Malik's ID not that of MNLF commander

The body of a slain rebel carrying the identification cards of Habier Malik was not the body of the still-at-large Moro National Liberation Front commander, said Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima, according to a "24 Oras" report.

The PNP is tasked to determine the identity of the body, which had on it Malik's taxpayer's ID and a regional ID citing MNLF founder Nur Misuari as contact in case of emergency.

Reached for confirmation, PNP spokesperson Theodore Sindac verified the PNP chief's statement, adding that more details will be given at Tuesday's press briefing.

The police will check on the other bodies for the possibility that Malik is one of them, the report said.

Earlier, MNLF spokesperson Atty. Emmanuel Fontanilla in a separate "24 Oras" report said Malik has escaped and "is very, very alive."

"He is not injured. He is very safe where he is now. We have just talked this morning at 11 o'clock. Our military officers were able to contact him," Fontanilla said.

Intelligence reports also said Malik has escaped to Sulu.

"If that is true, napakaswerte naman nya. The first thing he will do is to run after Misuari," said defense chief Voltaire Gazmin in a separate interview.

"Kung nakawala si Malik, I'm sure hindi na siya uulit. It will take a long long time before he can launch another offensive like that," Gazmin added.

Earlier, a reliable source in Jun Veneracion's report said the body, which had been shot in the face, was identical to Malik in height and build.

The marines supposedly spotted around 15 MNLF rebels swimming to a mangrove area in the area between barangays Rio Hondo and Kasanyangan.

The rebels were seen protecting another who was believed to be Malik, the source said.

Intelligence operatives said among those killed are some of Malik's close security aides, one of them carrying P24,000 in cash.

No more than 10 MNLF rebels remain in Zamboanga City, venue of clashes between state troops and MNLF for the past three weeks.

The MNLF attacked Zamboanga City on Sept. 9 after declaring an independent state in Mindanao last July.

On Saturday, Gazmin said the crisis is over, but that clearing operations are in progress to ensure that no more MNLF rebels would be left in the city.

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