From the Daily Tribune (Nov 7): MNLF laughs off AFP claim of dead Malik
The Moro National Liberation Front yesterday laughed off claims that Ustadz Habier Malik is already dead, claiming the top MNLF commander is now busy preparing his men to continuously defend the principles Bangsamoro Republic.
“Malik is busy preparing to defend the MNLF’s genuine principles,” lawyer Emmanuel Fontanilla, spokesman of the MNLF Nur Misuari faction, told The Tribune.
Earlier, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said that “obviously” Malik is already dead as the MNLF Misuari faction, particularly Fontanilla, has not came up with proof to dispute the reported killing of Malik.
“He (Malik) is too busy,” said Fontanilla.
A Tribune source corroborated Fontanilla’s claims that Malik is alive.
“From the last information we have, he (Malik) is moving constantly around Zamboanga Peninsula with a handful of trusted aides,” the source said.
Malik, who is perceived to be a Misuari loyalist, was among the five MNLF commanders who led more than 300 fighters in laying siege on Zamboanga City last Sept. 9.
The Misuari followers subsequently took around 200 civilian hostages from at least five barangays in Zamboanga City. The incident resulted in sporadic clashes that lasted for 20 days and led to the killing of more than 200 MNLF fighters, more than 20 government security forces and 12 civilians.
Fontanilla lamented alleged “injustices” committed against both the captured MNLF fighters and innocent civilians.
“There are injustices committed against the people as a result of Zamboanga City conflict. Wounded and arrested suspects were not treated, evacuees are discriminated,” said Fontanilla.
Fontanilla also cited the arrest of five Army men tagged in alleged looting at the height of the armed conflict as solid evidence that the military committed abuses in Zamboanag City.
Relatedly, the Army leadership yesterday clarified that the five soldiers, now detained at the Army Custodial Center, are still under investigation for possible court martial proceedings.
Capt. Anthony Bacus, deputy chief of the Army Public Affairs, said that the investigation against the five, whose identities were withheld, is ongoing.
“At present, the investigating team is in the process of interviewing witnesses before it can conclude the investigation and determine the culpability of the accused soldiers. After which, it shall seek legal opinion from the Army’s Judge Advocate General Office,” said Bacus in a statement.
“If there exists probable cause that would warrant the filing of administrative cases against the five, then the case shall be referred to the General Court Martial,” he added.
As a matter of procedure and for security reasons, Bacus said the Army decided not to disclose yet the names of the accused.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/mnlf-laughs-off-afp-claim-of-dead-malik
Emmanuel Fontanilla, purportedly a spokesperson for the MNLF, functioned as an MNLF propagandist and purveyor of disinformation throughout the Zamboanga siege. He lied then, why should we believe him now. The argument that Malik is too busy is laughable. The group has an opportunity to pull off a propaganda coup by simply producing Malik for an interview. The fact that the MNLF hasn't done so yet probably is an indication that the group can't do it because Malik is dead, severely wounded, or critically ill.
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