To prevent a recurrence of the September urban warfare happening again, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police said they have beefed up forces in the city.
The exchange of gunfire that lasted three weeks resulted in the death of some 300 people.
Most of them are followers of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) of founding Chairman Nur Misuari. Some of the dead, however, included military and police personnel, and civilians in the coastal and semi-urban villages.
Houses and properties were heavily damaged in the villages of Santa Catalina, Rio Hondo, Santa Barbara, Mampang, Talon-Talon, Mariki and Kasanyangan.
The military and the police said last week they have withdrawn from these villages and other affected areas after nearly a month of clearing operations.
Recently installed Zamboanga City Police Chief Sr. Supt. Dennis Busngi said he has created a special task force to replace these troops.
The existence of the Task Force is stipulated in Memorandum Circular 24-2013. The document outlines the procedures and guidelines to be undertaken by local police after the withdrawal of military personnel who were airlifted here at the height of the gunfight.
Members of the police task force were deployed in the affected areas which were divided into 11 zones with each zone manned by eight to 10 PNP men, Busngi said.
He added that policemen will work with members of the Army’s Task Force Zamboanga “to ensure a sound security plan within the conflict areas.”
Meanwhile, Task Force Commander Col. Andrelino Colina said security forces at the nearby San Ramon Penal Colony, where some 200 captured and surrendered MNLF rebels are currently detained, have been fortified with more troops from the Philippine Marines.
The move is designed to strengthen the prison security until the detained rebels could be transferred to a city in Metro Manila for trial.
Earlier, through the advice of Justice Secretary Leila M. Delima, State Prosecutor General Claro Arellano sought a copy of a resolution from the Supreme court directing the transfer from the Regional Trial Court in Zamboanga City to the RTC in Taguig City for the hearing of the case of rebellion and violation of International Humanitarian Law filed against Misuari, his top field Commander Ustadz Habier Malik and other respondents.
The High Court ultimately granted Arellano’s request for the transfer of venue of the hearing of the controversial case for the security of the witnesses and others who will attend the hearing.
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