Indonesian Embassy awaits instructions from Jakarta on MNLF request

From GMA News (Sep 9): Indonesian Embassy awaits instructions from Jakarta on MNLF request

The Indonesian Embassy in Manila on Monday said it is awaiting orders from Jakarta on the Moro National Liberation Front's (MNLF) reported request for them to intervene in the ongoing standoff 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 the leadership of Nur Misuari. The talks eventually led to the signing of the 1996 peace agreement.

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 the peace accord.

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

At least six people were killed while some 300 were held hostage when MNLF fighters loyal to Misuari attacked Zamboanga City Monday morning.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/325710/news/nation/indonesian-embassy-awaits-instructions-from-jakarta-on-mnlf-request

Zambo 'attack' a response to Misuari arrest info — MNLF official

From GMA News (Sep 9): Zambo 'attack' a response to Misuari arrest info — MNLF official

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters went to Zamboanga City on Monday morning not to attack the city but as a response to an "unusual" military movement there to arrest MNLF founder Nur Misuari, the group's advocacy director said.

Interviewed by GMA News Online, John Petalcorin described the MNLF presence in Zamboanga City as a "pre-emptive response" to the supposed "large" troop movement in the city.

"Mayroon raw nakita na unusual large troops movement. They thought they're going to arrest Nur Misuari. The MNLF responded to protect him, to move him somewhere else," Petalcorin said by phone.

He said they received information that government security forces were deployed in Zamboanga City to arrest five MNLF members, including Misuari.

He also said Misuari did not order their men to enter Zamboanga City, adding the military should explain why they deployed troops to the area.

The military, on the other hand, confirmed that five MNLF members were arrested by the police in Zamboanga City on Sunday for possession of illegal firearms.

In a separate phone interview, Armed Forces public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the MNLF were the first ones to deploy their troops—around 300 to 400 armed members—in Zamboanga City allegedly to hoist their flag in the city hall.

“Sila ang nag-move in. They should be the one to explain why they sent 400 armed men early morning. Their objective is to proceed to the city hall and raise their flag," Zagala said.

The military said MNLF followers had occupied the city hall, hoisted their flag, and took at least 20 civilians as hostages.

Zagala linked the alleged attack to the MNLF's declaration of independence weeks ago — an allegation Petalcorin denied.

"We declared it in a very peaceful way. Walang relationship sa MNLF declaration of independence 'yan," Petalcorin said, adding the MNLF fighters may have chosen to enter the city hall to divert the conflict from the residential areas.

Asked about the hostages, Petalcorin said they have no information on this. "Ang MNLF, gagawin ang dapat gagawin to survive," he only said.

Zamboanga City Mayor Isabella Climaco-Salazar, citing information from the Zamboanga City Police, said six people have already been killed in the violence, while 24 others were wounded.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/325674/news/regions/zambo-attack-a-response-to-misuari-arrest-info-mnlf-official?ref=section_banner

300 held hostage in Zambo City as MNLF fighters lock govt in standoff

From GMA News (Sep 9): 300 held hostage in Zambo City as MNLF fighters lock govt in standoff

The number of hostages in Zamboanga City has swelled to 300 as Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters locked government security forces in a standoff that has already resulted in the deaths of six people and the wounding of 24 others.

"Since the start of the crisis at around 4:30 a.m. today, the Zamboanga City Police Office report(ed) that six people were killed – one policemen, one Navy personnel and four civilians and 24 wounded in the course of the encounter between government troops and the rebels," said Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco in a statement.

The group was composed of loyal supporters of MNLF founder Nur Misuari, who has yet to issue a statement on his men's actions.

Citing information reaching the military, Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the MNLF fighters have taken 230 hostages in Barangay Santa Catalina, 50 in Barangay Santa Barbara, and 20 in Barangay Talon-Talon.

"One of their (MNLF) tactics is to hold hostages, for them (to) use as leverage. They're surrounded here. On the negotiation, the priority now is for the safe release of the hostages," Zagala said.

Climaco said the city government is "mobilizing all resources" to address the situation stemming from the "infiltration" of the MNLF in the city's coastal barangays, particularly Sta. Catalina, Sta. Barbara, Talon-Talon and Mampang.

At least 600 evacuees from Arena Blanco and Rio Hondo were brought to the city grandstand, and 847 at Tetuan Central School and Tetuan Parish Church, the mayor said. Several others were sheltered at the Talon-Talon National High School.

The incident has also forced in the virtual shutdown of the city, a former colonial Spanish port of nearly one million people, with classes and work suspended, and flights cancelled.

Heavily armed private security personnel as well as troops guard the airport, hotels, banks and other buildings, said an Agence France-Presse reporter on the ground.

MNLF demands

Meanwhile, a report by state-run Philippine Information Agency said the MNLF has aired three demands for the release of the hostages.

These include:

• a place for them to sleep Monday night with the hostages
• allowing them to march downtown and raise their flag
• a one-on-one talk with Mayor Climaco

Misuari, also a former governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), made a renewed call last month for an independent Islamic state in the southern Philippines.

"To the Philippine government, I think our message is already quite clear -- that we don't like to be part of the Philippines any more," Misuari said in his message last month.

Emergency hospital

Climaco also said the City Health Office and private hospitals are setting up an emergency hospital at the grandstand where all victims will be directed.

"Ambulances from public and private hospitals will be stationed in the area," she said.

The city has also set up a command center with City Administrator Antonio Orendain Jr. as ground supervisor sub-center. He can be reached via a hotline at 992-2385 or 992-3137.

She also said City Police OIC Director Senior Superinteintendent Chiquito Malayo and Task Force Zamboanga are designated ground commanders.

Police hotline numbers are 117/166 and 09063680749, she said.

Sabotage?

The attack came as the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a breakaway group from the MNLF, prepared to resume talks aimed at crafting a political settlement to be signed before President Benigno Aquino III leaves office in 2016.

After a much-applauded preliminary peace deal was signed last year, the remaining negotiations aim to flesh out the power-sharing terms between the national government and the MILF that is expected to head a new autonomous government, and the disarmament of its 12,000 guerrillas.

Rommel Banlaoi, executive director of the Manila security think tank Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence, and Terrorism Research, which has extensively covered the conflict, said the action was likely designed to sabotage the peace talks.

"(MNLF leader Nur) Misuari's motive is to convey a message... (that) the signing of the peace agreement between the government and the MILF will no longer guarantee the end of war."

He added: "The fear now is Misuari could create one united front along with other threat groups against the Philippines."

Don't sensationalize

Meanwhile, Climaco appealed to the media not to sensationalize or leak sensitive information "so as not to jeopardize the operations of our authorities."

She added the city's electric cooperative has been asked to prevent power interruptions or curtailment while the situation is still unresolved.

Climaco said the city government suspended classes in all levels in both public and private schools, and suspended work in all offices.

"I am in touch with President (Benigno) Aquino (III) and the Executive Department and they are monitoring and helping us resolve this concern," she added.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/325661/news/regions/300-held-hostage-in-zambo-city-as-mnlf-fighters-lock-govt-in-standoff?ref=bannerh1

Video Reports on MNLF Zamboanga Attack/Standoff

From ABS-CBN/Bandila (Sep 10): Video Reports on MNLF Zamboanga Attack/Standoff

Zamboanga City implements curfew after MNLF attack
09/10/2013 1:45 AM

 

Hundreds flee as fighting grips Zamboanga City
09/10/2013 1:42 AM

 

Gov't came up short on MNLF peace accord, say analysts
09/10/2013 1:39 AM

 

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/regions/09/09/13/zamboanga-city-implements-curfew-after-mnlf-attack

BDA, World Bank hold Implementation Support Mission to subproject sites

From the MILF Website (Sep 9): BDA, World Bank hold Implementation Support Mission to subproject sites



The Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) and World Bank held the 8th Implementation Support Mission (ISM) in the Mindanao Trust Fund – Reconstruction and Development Program (MTF-RDP) subproject sites in Mindanao on August 19-21, 2013.
  

The implementation mission was also undertaken with the Trust Fund Recipients and one of the development partners for the MTF, European Union (EU).

Two (2) ISM Teams went in selected subproject sites. Team A, headed by MTF Task Team Leader Matt Stephens with Ali Dast Geer from EU Monitoring Programme – Asia and Central Asia visited Sarangani Province. Team B which was led by Roy Tordecilla of the World Bank led the group to selected project sites in Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao del Sur.

The selected Barangays where 3rd Program Partnership Agreement (PPA3) were implemented and 4th Program Partnership Agreement (PPA4) currently implemented (2012-2015) were the target of the mission.

In Sarangani Province, three subprojects under PPA3 having Community Learning Centers each in Barangay Tuyan in Malapatan, Barangay Lumatil in Maasim and Barangay Maguling in Maitum were visited.



Part of the mission was a visit to PPA 4 sites, Barangays Lumasal and Daliao in Maasim and Barangay Mindupok in Maitum.

Team B visited a Tire Path Project in Barangay Sambulawan, Dinas, Zamboanga del Sur, Community Learning Centers in Barangay Baluno, Naga, and Barangay Poblacion Muslim, Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The team concluded their mission with an interaction with the people’s organization (PO) of Barangay Dalama, Lumbatan in Lanao del Sur which implements a Solar Drier Project.

Representatives from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and MTF-RDP Trust Fund Recipients (TFRs), Mindanao Land Foundation and Community and Family Services International joined the mission.

Staff of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) Central Management Office (CMO) and Regional Management Offices (RMOs) facilitated the project visit.

The ISM was aimed to draw recommendations from the People’s Organizations, which will implement projects, on how to improve the process of implementation.

MTF-RDP project implementation is anchored on the Community Driven Development (CDD) mechanism employed by the World Bank for its sponsored projects.

People’s Organizations (POs) comprised of Barangay Community Volunteers (BCVs) at the project sites welcomed the ISM Teams.

In casual interaction with the visitors, the PO members related the process they underwent in the course of project implementation. They outlined the activities and trainings undertaken before and during the establishment of the projects.

MTF-RDP Projects are geared towards unity and economic empowerment of conflict affected communities in Mindanao.

The BDA staff from CMO and RMOs facilitates the capability-building of the community volunteers through trainings and linkaging with development partners. BDA Community Organizers assure that every Purok/Sitio is represented in the PO.

The Local Government Unit both from Barangay and Municipal levels also contribute monetary and technical counterparts for the projects. The TFR also share their technical expertise.
The World Bank and EU Representatives thanked the community volunteers for their hospitality.

Team A has also seen the Communal Vegetable Garden of the PO members of Maguling which was successfully implemented. The self-help project provides the PO with additional income and food on their tables.

On the first day of the mission, the team paid a courtesy call to Sarangani Governor Steve-Chiongbian Solon. The governor related the provincial government’s program for the Moro communities and villages affected by conflict in the past.

Solon added that the province is relatively peaceful and currently there are investors eyeing to invest on cocoa and banana production in two towns of the province.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/542-bda-world-bank-hold-implementation-support-mission-to-subproject-sites

GPH-MILF Independent Commission on Policing to be invited in KL meeting

From the MILF Website (Sep 9): GPH-MILF Independent Commission on Policing to be invited in KL meeting



Members of the Independent Commission on Policing (ICP) will be invited to the forthcoming meeting of the peace panels of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.
  

Jun Mantawil, head of the MILF peace panel secretariat, told Luwaran before he flew to Manila enroute to Kuala Lumpur last September 6 that the MILF will also try to bring along them their nominees for ICP.

He confirmed that the MILF had already appointed their two representatives to the ICP, one a senior police officer and now retired and the other is a senior military commander of the MILF who served in the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH).

He said the members of the ICP shall be for the first time introduced to the parties before they start to work on the manner of organizing the Police for the Bangsamoro.

They will operate with a timeframe of six months and within this timeline they will have to make recommendations to the GPH and MILF peace panels, which will either adopt them altogether or make some amendments. After making their recommendations, they are deemed to have exited.

The parties agreed that Canada heads the ICP, which, in its letter to the two parties, did not accept the invitation but had actually named their nominee. Members of the ICP are Australia, another Asian countries, which is not yet named pending their formal acceptance of the offer from the MILF. Four more members, two each, come from the MILF and the GPH.

The nominee from Canada is reported to be an active police officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

In Canada, public-sector police forces are associated with and commissioned to the three levels of government: municipal, provincial, and federal. Constitutionally, law enforcement is a provincial responsibility, and most urban areas have been given the authority by the provinces to maintain their own police force. Some, such as the Toronto Police Service and the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal are commissioned to one particular city, Toronto and Montréal, respectively, while the Niagara Regional Police services all cities comprising the Regional Municipality of Niagara. All but three of Canada's provinces in turn, contract out their provincial law-enforcement responsibilities to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the national police force, which is commissioned to the federal level of government.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/541-gph-milf-independent-commission-on-policing-to-be-invited-in-kl-meeting

‘Zambo incident involving MNLF won’t affect GPH-MILF peace talks’

From MindaNews (Sep 9): ‘Zambo incident involving MNLF won’t affect GPH-MILF peace talks’

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) remained optimistic on the prospects of signing a final peace deal with the government as Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) elements clashed with government troops in Zamboanga City, an MILF official said on Monday.

MNLF forces loyal to Nur Misuari, MNLF founding chairman, have held hostage scores of civilians after clashing with soldiers. The MNLF members reportedly started arriving in Zamboanga City Sunday evening as part of the advance party of Misuari, who openly voiced opposition to the ongoing GPH-MILF talks.

MILF spokesperson Von Al Haq said the development in Zamboanga City “would have no bearing whatsoever with the ongoing peace talks involving the government and the MILF.”

“We are very confident that our peace talks is unstoppable as what the GPH (government) peace panel said before. Tuloy-tuloy na ito,” Al Haq said in a text message.

He also stressed that MILF troops have remained loyal to their chain of command and have not defected to the MNLF.

 

Late last month, the government and the MILF concluded the 39th round of formal exploratory talks on a positive note, resolving several issues on the two remaining annexes on power sharing and normalization.

In a joint statement, the parties said they have achieved “substantial progress in the discussions towards finalizing the Annexes on Power Sharing and Normalization to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB).”

Both sides earlier agreed on the annexes on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities and on Revenue Generation and Wealth-Sharing.

The government and the MILF peace panels hope to sign the comprehensive peace agreement within the year.

Under the FAB, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will be replaced by the Bangsamoro government, targeted to happen in 2016.

In the face of the siege launched by the MNLF in Zamboanga City, ARMM executive secretary Laisa Masuhud Alamia said the regional government is on security alert status.

ARMM Governor Mujiv S. Hataman has advised authorities and local government units in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi to heighten security in their respective areas and help guard against the movement of suspicious groups, she said in a statement.

“We also condemn in the strongest possible terms this act of violence and the use of some people as human shield while we continue to pray for the safety of civilians in this unfortunate incident,” Alamia said.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/09/09/zambo-incident-involving-mnlf-wont-affect-gph-milf-peace-talks/

UPDATE: 200 civilians held hostage in Zamboanga City standoff; 6 killed, 24 wounded

From MindaNews (Sep 9): UPDATE: 200 civilians held hostage in Zamboanga City standoff; 6 killed, 24 wounded

Some 200 civilians have been held hostage in Barangay Catalina in this city in a standoff involving armed members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) loyal to Nur Misuari who arrived in the southern port city on Sunday evening for a “peace rally”, City Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said.

Climaco-Salazar said the civilians were being held by the group of MNLF commander Hussin Hasimin.

Hasimin said over RMN-Zamboanga that they would march, together with the hostages, to the City Hall to hoist the MNLF flag.

“We are part of the sovereign Republic of the Philippines and as an extension of the national government, we will never allow any flag to be raised except for the Filipino flag,” Salazar countered in a press briefing at City Hall.

In a press briefing this afternoon in Camp Aguinaldo, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan said the civilians were merely trapped and “are not hostages in the strict sense of the word.”

 

Tutaan, however, confirmed reports that the MNLF members earlier took at least 20 civilians as hostages and were using them as human shields.

He said that based on reports from their troops at least four people have been killed and 14 others wounded. He clarified the number of casualties varied.

In another report, Climaco-Salazar said six people have been killed and 24 others injured in firefights that erupted since Sunday evening.

The fatalities included a policeman and a Navy man, she said.

Abdul Sahrin, secretary-general of the MNLF-Sema faction told RMN-Zamboanga that Misuari has acted on his own.

Sahrin said he received information that some 50 followers of Misuari arrived Sunday in Barangay Rio Hondo.

He added a group of 400 rebels were mobilized Sunday by Ustadz Haber Malik in Barangay Candiis, Mohammad Ajul, Basilan.

Malik, who is based in Panamao, Sulu, is said to be loyal to Misuari.

The standoff forced Climaco-Salazar to cancel classes and work in both public and private institutions today turning the city into a virtual ghost town.

Shopping malls also closed and public utility vehicles stopped plying their routes.
Flights to and from the city today were canceled.

Tutaan said around 600 civilians from Sta. Catalina and 800 others from Barangay Sta. Barbara have evacuated.

“The situation is still volatile and evolving as we speak,” he said, although he claimed the firefight had stopped after noontime.

The military official denied lapses on their part saying they were monitoring the situation through the patrols being conducted by the Philippine Navy.

The standoff in Zamboanga came after the MNLF members clashed with government troops on Sunday night, Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said in an interview with ANC this morning. (See separate story)

Climaco-Salazar told ANC’s Karen Davila the MNLF members were planning to enter the city and declare independence at the city hall.

Tutaan confirmed the mayor’s statement. “Their purpose was to raise the [MNLF] flag. They were armed that’s why we have to stop them.”

Misuari, founding chair of the MNLF, had openly opposed the peace talks between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front saying it has sidelined the tripartite review of the 1996 GPH-MNLF Final Peace Agreement.

Coming on the eve of the resumption of the GPH-MILF talks, observers said the Zamboanga standoff could be Misuari’s way of sending across the message that he and his group should have a role in government’s plans for Mindanao.

Reports said Misuari had declared an independent Mindanao state that he called Bangsamoro Republik on August 12.

The supposed declaration included Palawan, the Zamboanga peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and even North Borneo or Sabah, a region controlled by Malaysia but which is historically part of the Sultanate of Sulu.

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate viewed the standoff as “a slap on the Aquino administration’s peace policy in Mindanao”.

This is an offshoot of a divisive peace policy that excludes other stakeholders in Mindanao, like the forces of MNLF Chair Nur Misuari,” Zarate said.

Starting Tuesday, Sept. 10, the GPH and MILF peace panels will finalize the Annexes on Power Sharing and Normalization to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. They earlier agreed on the Annexes on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities and on Revenue Generation and Wealth-Sharing.

Both panels hope to sign the comprehensive peace agreement within the year.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy has expressed condolences to the families of the victims in the standoff.

“Whether they were brave members of the AFP and PNP or civilians facing their future one day at a time, we share your sorrow at the loss of friends and loved ones,” it said in a statement issued this afternoon.

“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,” it added.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/09/09/zamboanga-standoff-200-civilians-trapped-6-killed-24-wounded/

Misuari: Online Poster/Banner: Bangsamoro Uprising -- Rise O Lions of Zamboanga...

Posted to the Facebook page of Nur Misuari (Sep 9): RISE O LIONS OF ZAMBOANGA... THE TIME IS NOW.. FIGHT THE ENEMIES OF ISLAM.. VICTORY OR MARTYRDOM !



https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=219413664889887&set=a.152005808297340.1073741828.151965024968085&type=1&theater

Misuari: Latest reports from Zamboanga

Posted to the Facebook page of Nur Misuari (Sep 9): Latest reports from Zamboanga

Latest reports from Zamboanga are that Commander Khabir Malik is leading the raid to re-liberate the city and that more than 1,000 Mujahidīn have landed and more are arriving.

 

The MNLF Mujahidīn entered into the city at around 3am this morning via the Muslim majority port areas of Rio Hondo and Mariki, from there they... have marched through to Sta. Barbara, Lustre, Sta. Catalina, Talon-Talon, Kasanyangan, Mampang and surrounding areas. The city is at a stand still and the mayor of Zamboanga Maria Isabel Climaco has placed the city on shut down, ordering all stores and schools to be closed.

The Mujahidīn have stated that they aim to march upon city hall to raise the flag of Moro independence, this seems to suggest that this attack is not merely a ghazwah (raid) but is an attempt to re-liberate the city of Zamboanga and to return it to Muslim hands after centuries of Christian rule.

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=635476456491992&set=a.525809550792017.114349.525720030800969&type=1&theater

11 MNLF members bagged in Zamboanga City

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): 11 MNLF members bagged in Zamboanga City

Eleven members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) were arrested in Zamboanga City hours after a clash with government security forces which left one trooper dead and six others wounded early Monday morning.

The arrest was made by the Zamboanga City Police Office.

As this develops, the Zamboanga city government opened a hotline for residents to report unusual or suspicious activity.

It advised residents to remain calm but to report "anything unusual" to police at 991-56-56 or the nearest police station.

"Public is advised to remain calm and sober but alert and vigilant and report anything unusual to police 991-56-56 or your nearest police station," the Zamboanga city government stressed.

Col. Andrelino Colina, head of Task Force Zamboanga, said the MNLF wanted to get near city hall to hoist its flag but was not allowed to do so.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=563646

Military cordon activated in MNLF-occupied barangays

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): Military cordon activated in MNLF-occupied barangays
 
The Armed Forces has deployed military units to cordon off the five barangays in Zamboanga City occupied by rogue members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) early Monday morning.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP public information office chief, said a sufficient military presence has been placed in Barangays Sta. Catalina, Talon-Talon, Sta. Barbara, Mariki and Rio Hondo, all in Zamboanga City.

He added these troops are backed up by "armor and air assets."

An estimated 200 to 300 rogue MNLF members are believed to have holed in in the barangays.

Zagala said an estimated 20 civilians in Cataingan, Barangay Catalina are believed to be held hostage by the MNLF.

The AFP public affairs office chief said these civilians were last spotted by troops cordoning the area around 8 a.m. Monday.

Zagala declined to comment on what prompted these MNLF members to stage their attack on Zamboanga City and whether MNLF chair Nur Missuari has a hand in it.

"Our focus right now is for the safe recovery of the hostaged civilians," he added.

Zagala also stated that they also have received reports that the MNLF has killed two civilians and wounded four others during their initial attacks.

The first encounter between the military and the MNLF started around 1:45 a.m. near Barangay Rio Hondo.

A member of the Naval Special Operations Group was killed while another six were wounded in the 10-minute firefight.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=563734

MNLF not negotiating yet

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): MNLF not negotiating yet
 
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday announced that the rogue members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), who took around 20 hostages in Kaytangyan, Barangay Sta. Catalina, Zamboanga City, are not talking with anyone regarding their demands.

"There is no demand (yet) they refuse to talk to us," AFP public information office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.

"So there is a possibility that in their desire to punch through the position of our troops they got these human shields in order for them to punch through the AFP forces in the area," Zagala said.

He added that these estimated 200 MNLF fighters, which are presently cordoned in Barangays Sta. Catalina, Talon-Talon, Sta. Barbara, Mariki and Rio Hondo, all in Zamboanga City, are armed with high-caliber rifles.

Zagala said that the cordon was deployed around 4 a.m. to prevent the MNLF from coming out.

At least six people were killed while 24 were wounded in the clash between government troops and alleged members of the MNLF, Mayor Isabella Climaco-Salazar said.

In a statement, Climaco-Salazar also said the city government is "mobilizing all resources" to address the situation stemming from the infiltration of alleged MNLF members in some of the city's coastal barangays.

"Since the start of the crisis at around 4:30 a.m. today, the Zamboanga City Police Office reported that six people were killed — one policemen, one Navy personnel and four civilians and 24 wounded in the course of the encounter between government troops and the rebels," she said.

"More casualties are reported on the enemy side," she added but did not elaborate.

The mayor said the clashes had affected the barangays of Sta. Catalina, Sta. Barbara, Talon-talon and Mampang.

At least 20 hostages were reported in Sta. Catalina and 200 at Kasanyangan Village in Mampang.

On the other hand, Climaco-Salazar said at least 600 evacuees from Arena Blanco and Rio Hondo are sheltered at the grandstand, and 847 at Tetuan Central School and Tetuan Parish Church.

Several others are sheltered at the Talon-Talon National High School.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=563750

Suspect in Guingona ambush nabbed in Misamis Oriental

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): Suspect in Guingona ambush nabbed in Misamis Oriental

Troopers from the 403rd Infantry Brigade and local police on Sunday arrested one of the suspects involved in the ambush of Gingoog City Mayor Ruthie Guingona last April.

This resulted in the wounding of Guingona and death of her two escorts.

Capt. Christian Uy, acting 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, identified the arrested suspect as Joel Yagaoalias "Jhong."

He was nabbed with the help of the PNP Villanueva, Misamis Oriental policemen under Insp. Rogelio R. Labor Jr.

Uy said the suspect was arrested around Sunday noon.

Yagao was positively identified by a rebel returnee, a liaison officer of Guerilla 4B, North Central Mindanao Committee, which is the same group who admitted to planning and conducting the ambush.

More suspects are expected to be apprehended since more witnesses are submitting affidavits and voluntarily giving relevant information for justice and peace in Mindanao to prevail.

Col. Francisco L. Pabayo, 403rd Infantry Brigade commander, said: “We will continue to support the PNP in capturing these criminals and encourage terrorists to surrender and return back into the folds of the government.”

Brig. Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya, 4th Infantry Division commander, thanked the civilians who supported the government by giving relevant information on the activities of rebels.

“Rest assured that your efforts will not be put into vain, this is the real essence of 'Bayanihan',” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=563804

AFP verifying reports ranking Nur aide present in Zamboanga City

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): AFP verifying reports ranking Nur aide present in Zamboanga City

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan on Monday said that they are verifying reports that Ustadz Habier Malik, a ranking Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and top aide of Nur Misuari, was present during the attacks on Zamboanga City.

Initial reports disclosed that Malik was sighted off Sta. Catalina where around 20 civilians were taken hostage by the MNLF.

And when asked whether Malik's alleged presence was done with the blessing of Missuari, Tutaan said that they are still determining this.

"We are still assessing whether he (Missuari) has direct intervention on the matter," Tutaan stressed.

The former MNLF chair is in Sulu, according to the latest military reports.

He also declined to comment on whether additional MNLF forces are headed towards Zamboanga but stressed that the entire Western Mindanao Command is on alert to prevent a similar incident.

Tutaan also added that the situation so far is stable.

"No outbreak of (additional) violence has been noted so far."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=563840

Palace: Aquino gov't has not terminated 1996 Final Peace Agreement

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): Palace: Aquino gov't has not terminated 1996 Final Peace Agreement

The Aquino administration reiterated the government has not terminated the 1996 Final Peace Agreement signed between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front, a Palace official said on Monday.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda issued the statement during the press briefing in Malacanang on Monday following the release of misinformation that the government has already abrogated the 1996 Final Peace Agreement signed between the government and the MNLF.

Reports said MNLF chairman Nur Misuari had threatened to declare an independent Bangsamoro Republic with its own Constitution due to efforts of the government to abrogate the 1996 Final Peace Agreement signed between the government and the MNLF.

"They were insinuating that the GPH (Government of the Philippines) terminated the 1996 Final Peace Agreement. That is not true. In fact, there is an ongoing tripartite review process of the implementation of the GPH-MNLF peace pact through the facilitation of the Organization of Islamic Conference," he said.

"Actually, there is going to be a meeting next week in regard to that, so the inference na nag-terminate ang GPH ‘nung peace agreement, hindi po totoo ‘yon. What we’ve been told is that they have been spreading disinformation that terminated na. That is why may kaunting agam-agam sa ground, that is why we had to reassure them," Lacierda said.

Lacierda explained what the government had proposed was the completion of the review process and not the closure of the peace process or the abrogation of the 1996 FPA.

"May isang representative from Indonesia who met with Atty. Fontanilla. Wala hong katotohanan na we’ve already terminated it," he said.

"There is an ongoing tripartite review process to be facilitated by OIC. In fact, they are meeting next week....The third-party facilitator here, Indonesia, was aware of the tripartite review process and, in fact, there is going to be a meeting between GPH-MNLF and Indonesia on this," Lacierda further said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=563915

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

Mayor suspends work/classes as Misuari-led MNLF faction attack/hold hostages in Zamboanga City

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): Mayor suspends work/classes as Misuari-led MNLF faction attack/hold hostages in Zamboanga City

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has suspended classes and works in both public and private schools and offices as hostilities broke out in this city after armed followers of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding-leader Nur Misuari landed at the shores of this city early Monday.

“Due to the present situation, Mayor Salazar in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) is suspending classes in all levels, private and public in Zamboanga City today (Sept. 9),” City Hall information officer Sheila Covarrubias said in a text message.

“Authorities are collaborating efforts to resolve the situation. The public is advised to remain calm and sober but alert and vigilant and report anything unusual to the police at (062)991-56-56 or you nearest police station,” Covarrubias added.

Salazar has convened a Crisis Management Committee meeting together with local police and military officials to assess the situation.

So far, three people -- a policeman and two civilians -- were reported killed on two separate locations. The policeman was killed by sniper fire in Barangay Sta. Barbara, 0.35 kilometers east of this city, while the civilians in Barangay Talon-Talon, five kilometers east of this city.

An MNLF follower was killed in the firefight near the Zamboanga City Public Safety Company headquarters in Barangay Sta. Barbara.

Aside from Sta. Barbara, on-and-off skirmish is also taking place just outside the government-run Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) along Dr. Evangelista Street in Barangay Sta. Catalina.

MNLF Secretary-General Abdul Sahrin said over RMN-Zamboanga that he received information that some 50 followers of Misuari arrive Sunday in Barangay Rio Hondo, 0.92 kilometers east of city hall.

Sahrin disclosed that further information states a group of 400 rebels were mobilized Sunday by Ustadz Haber Malik in Barangay Candiis, Mohammad Ajul, Basilan.

Malik, who is based in Panamao, Sulu, is one of the loyal rebel leaders of Misuari.

Sahrin disclosed that Misuari is now acting on his own.

There were also reports that unidentified gunmen were seen to have landed Monday morning at the shores of Barangay Talon-Talon.

Meanwhile, the group led by Commander Hussin Hasimin, one of the leaders of the Misuari group, is holding hostage at least 28 people, including women and children, in Barangay Sta. Catalina, 1.76 kilometers east of this city.

Hasimin said over RMN-Zamboanga that their mission is to march towards downtown to raise the MNLF flag at the flagpole of City Hall.

His group together with the hostages is holed up in the boundary of Sta. Catalina and Barangay Kasanyangan and cannott march to the city proper as government forces are stationed in the barangay hall of Sta. Catalina.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=563649

MNLF-Sema wing affirms loyalty to 1996 GPH-MNLF final peace accord

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): MNLF-Sema wing affirms loyalty to 1996 GPH-MNLF final peace accord

Followers of the Moro National Liberation Front–Executive Council of 15 (MNLF-EC15) chaired by Muslimin Sema is upholding the 1996 final peace agreement it forged with the government, and nixed any violent actions to overstate their sentiments before the public.

The Sema faction’s stand came on Monday amid the continuing street gun battle between government troopers and MNLF forces loyal to Nur Misuari in Zamboanga City that has so far killed three and wounded 10 others.

“We continue to stand our commitment by the government-MNLF 1996 final peace agreement as we would also like to stress that we have nothing to do with the attack in Zamboanga launched by our comrades loyal to Chairman Nur,” said Romy Sema, head of the MNLF–EC15 secretariat.

The MNLF EC15 was formed in 2001 by a group of MNLF leaders who turned away from Misuari, whose term as governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) following the 1996 peace pact was riddled with graft and corruption.

Misuari, thereafter, led a short-lived rebellion against the government and was arrested for illegal entry in neighboring Malaysia some two months after.

Misuari was extradited back to the Philippines where he faced the rebellion charges against him.

During the period, the MNLF-EC15 took over the MNLF leadership as Misuari was made political prisoner under the former administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The pro-Misuari MNLF faction laid low from 2001 until his comeback in 2010 where he once more assembled his loyal forces in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi until his separatist declaration of independence late last month.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=563704

PMA contributing to Baguio's tourism industry

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): PMA contributing to Baguio's tourism industry

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) thanked the Hotels and Restaurants Association of Baguio (HRAB) for including the country's top military institution among the heritage sites of Baguio City.

Army Captain Lynette Agnes Flores, PMA public information officer, said the replica of the academy in the giant cake baked during the observance of the tourism weekend here further showed to visitors the tourist sites in the premier military institution in Asia.

"As observed of the visitors coming to the academy, they enjoy their photo sessions at the park with the World War II vintage artilleries, the Borromeo Field where the cadets have their drills and reviews, the well maintained tree parks and the historic Melchor Hall," she said.

Flores said daily visitors to the academy include the regular tourists who are guided by maps distributed by the Department of Tourism (DOT), as well as the parents, friends and relatives of the PMA cadets.

During the tourism weekend, the giant cake and site replicas were displayed at the big mall here.

Aside from the PMA, the replicas included the Baguio Cathedral, City Hall, Mansion House, and Baguio Post Office.

"The PMA is honored to be among the designated heritage sites of Baguio," she said, adding the academy has rich history and significance to this mountain resort 250 kilometers north of Manila being the educational institution to train future officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The academy is known as the Fort del Pilar named after the youngest Filipino general Gregorio del Pilar, who died gallantly at the Battle of Tirad Pass in 1899 to prevent the Americans from capturing then President Emilio Aguinaldo.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=563692

Police Regional Office 13 closely monitors MNLF coops in Caraga

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): Police Regional Office 13 closely monitors MNLF coops in Caraga

The Police Regional Office here have closely monitored the activities of the cooperatives of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), believed to be connected to Prof. Nur Misuari here in the region, a top police official said.

Police Supt. Martin M. Gamba, the chief spokesman of the regional police headquarters here said in an interview Monday morning, that even before the incident in Zamboanga area erupted, the police here are in close coordination with the cooperative leaders here.

"In fairness to the leaders here, they are open to us regarding all of their activities. We see that all their activities here are purely for livelihood and for the improvement of their cooperative movement here," Gamba said. He said that although their leaders have also designated ranks such as those of the military, they are unarmed.

Gamba said that during the group's meeting in August in Mainit town in Surigao del Norte, they held it openly to the public and even invited a liaison officer from the local police in the area.

Caraga Philippine National Police (PNP) Director CSupt. Getulio P. Napenas instructed all his field commanders to coordinate and to hold dialogue not only with the MNLF cooperative leaders here but with the other Muslim communities as well.

He said that most of the MNLF leaders here are not pure Muslims but are "Balik Islams" or local indigenous people in this region.

Gamba calls on the MNLF cooperative leaders here, the Muslim community leaders and the public as well to continue the peaceful atmosphere of unity and cooperation in the region.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=563752

MNLF in mainland Mindanao not part of Zamboanga City siege -- Sema

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): MNLF in mainland Mindanao not part of Zamboanga City siege -- Sema

Members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) forces in mainland Mindanao remained in their respective communities and will not join MNLF forces involved in the Zamboanga City siege, the top MNLF official here said Monday.

"Our forces in mainland Mindanao and those in the Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi area are not joining our brother MNLF who attacked Zamboanga City Monday," Muslimin Sema, chairman of the bigger faction of the MNLF, said.

"We condemn the attack on innocent civilians," Sema said, adding that MNLF forces in mainland Mindanao remain calm in their communities and will not join the group in Zamboanga.

"I have instructed the MNLF under my command to stay put and allow the peaceful resolution of the Zamboanga incident," he said.

"We remain committed to the 1996 peace agreement," Sema said, adding that his faction has expressed loyalty to the 1996 GPH-MNLF accord which is the subject of a tripartite review by the MNLF, government and the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) through the Indonesian government.

"The Zamboanga siege by some MNLF forces acted on their own and had no sanctions from MNLF forces that I lead," said Sema, former vice mayor of Cotabato City.

The MNLF now seems fragmented into three factions -- one headed by Sema, the other by former MNLF chair Nur Misuari and the third by the ICC or MNLF-Islamic Command Council.

The early Monday siege in Zamboanga City resulted to the death of at least three persons with scores of civilians reportedly taken hostage.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=563717

USNS Henson oceanography survey ship in Puerto Princesa to look for missing pilots

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): USNS Henson oceanography survey ship in Puerto Princesa to look for missing pilots

The USNS Henson (T-AGS-63) pathfinder class oceanographic survey ship is in this city to help look for the fuselage and the missing pilots of the OV-10 Broncho 630 that crashed in June this year off the airport runway.

Brig. Gen. Conrado Parra, commander of the 570th Composite Tactical Wing and head of Task Force Broncho, confirmed to the Philippines News Agency (PNA) Monday that the oceanographic survey ship arrived Friday and will stay until September 12 to assist in the rescue mission.

Parra said the arrival of the vessel was in response to their request to the U.S. Government to help locate the fuselage that can help in the investigation of the crash, and missing pilots Capt. Jonathan Ybanez and 1st Lt. Abner Trust Nacion.

As of this writing, the USNS Henson is now searching 12 nautical miles east of the site, and will comb the waters with the same length of distance north and south.

“We are really hopeful that the USNS Henson will find them and the fuselage with their high-tech equipment,” Parra said.

Parra said it has a capability to conduct search missions 400 meters below the sea. “It will be looking for them in the areas, where we have searched before but in the deeper parts,” he added.

If the USNS Henson fails in the search, Parra said they will continue to look until such time they have exhausted everything and is ready to call off the mission under the Task Force Bronco.

Owned by the US Navy, the USNS Henson is said to be “used to collect data for the purpose of geophysical, biological, physical and acoustical surveys.” Due to its expansive reach, it is needed by the American military to obtain information on all ocean regarding ocean environments.

The ships construction is designed to support the bevy of instruments connected below the water line. The hull has a multi-beam shape to support the equipment and offers good sea keeping.

The military's knowledge of the ocean environment has been dramatically increased due to oceanographic survey ships like the Henson.

On board, its equipment among others is consisted of a Multi-beam Echo Sounding System with 121 bathymetric sonar system used to chart waters from 10 to 11,000 meters in real time; a Seismic System used as a deep penetration instrument, Shallow Water Echo Sounder System that provides a single beam for depths to 12,000 meters, and a Sub Bottom Profiler (ODEC BATHY-2000) is capable of determining seabed structure down to 10,000 meters.

The USNS Henson was the navy vessel that accompanied Robert Peary for an expedition intended to reach the Geographic North Pole in 1909.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=563777

MNLF in ARMM remains intact, no movement -- PNP

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): MNLF in ARMM remains intact, no movement -- PNP

Members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in five provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) remain in their respective camps and communities amid the attack of the Misuari faction in Zamboanga City early Monday.

Chief Supt. Noel Delos Reyes, ARMM police director, said police authorities have been closely monitoring the situation in MNLF communities in the region and found no reason for local folks to be apprehensive of any undue hostile development.

Delos Reyes said he had been providing ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman with an hourly update on the security situation in the five ARMM provinces, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, both in mainland Mindanao, and the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Lawyer Anwar Malang, ARMM local government secretary, said the autonomous region has been peaceful and calm since a handful of Nur Misuari's followers staged violent attacks in several coastal villages of Zamboanga City before dawn Monday.

Local executives in the ARMM provinces have been initiating low key and back channel dialogues with MNLF officials in their respective towns to preserve the peace.

Malang in a statement said the whole of ARMM is relatively peaceful.

The region has been placed on alert status, according to Executive Sec. Laisa Alamia.

"Gov. Hataman has advised authorities and local government units in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi to heighten security in their respective areas and help guard against the movement of suspicious groups or saboteurs," Alamia said.

"We also condemn in the strongest possible terms this act of violence and the use of some people as human shields, while we continue to pray for the safety of civilians now suffering from this unfortunate incident," she said in a statement.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=563795

Mayor will never allow MNLF rebs to hoist flag in Zambo City Hall

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): Mayor will never allow MNLF rebs to hoist flag in Zambo City Hall

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar on Monday said she will never allow the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels to hoist the MNLF flag in this city.

“We are part of the sovereign Republic of the Philippines and as an extension of the national government, we will never allow any flag to be raised except the flag of the Republic of the Philippines,” Salazar stressed in a press briefing at City Hall.

Salazar issued the statement after Commander Hussin Hasimin, one of the leaders of Misuari group, disclosed over RMN-Zamboanga of their mission to march towards downtown to hoist the MNLF flag at the flagpole of the City Hall.

Hasimin’s group is holed up together with a group of hostages in the village of Sta. Catalina, some 1.76 kilometers (km) east of this city.

So far, Salazar said a total of 220 people are being held hostage in the villages of Sta. Catalina, Kasanyangan, located some two km east of this city; and in Mampang, located some nine km. also east of this city.

Meanwhile, the sporadic firefight between government troops and the rebels have stopped for the past few hours already.

Six people, including a policeman and a navy sailor, were killed while 24 others were wounded in separate skirmishes here.

Salazar has called on the public to remain calm but vigilant and report the presence of people acting suspiciously in their respective localities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=563813

Army’s 4ID on high alert as MNLF attacked Zamboanga

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): Army’s 4ID on high alert as MNLF attacked Zamboanga
 
The Army's 4th Infantry Division on Monday raised the security alert level in Northern Mindanao due to the ongoing attack made by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the southern part of Mindanao particularly in Zamboanga City.

Capt. Christian Uy, of the army’s public division affairs here, said on Monday that the military is now monitoring the MNLF groups based in their area of responsibilities particularly in Cagayan de Oro.

"Dili kita maapiktuhan niining nahitabo karon sa Zamboanga, (Northern Mindanao could be affected by the events in Zamboanga today) but our soldiers are ready for any eventualities," Uy said.

Reports had it that the MNLF forces attacked Zamboanga City early dawn Monday taking civilian hostages as human shields as fighting continues.

Report reaching the military camp here alleged an unidentified civilian and a policeman were already killed and several people were wounded.

According to Uy, the military has already raised the full alert level after the series of bombing incidents in Mindanao. “Our red alert status since the bombing in Cagayan de Oro last July 26 was never lowered,” Uy added.

However, Uy said, the military has increased the security measures now because of the threat posed by the MNLF forces," he said.

Uy said that there is not much presence of MNLF in the 4th ID’s area of responsibility although there were known unarmed MNLF members in the region.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=563857

4 suspected NPA rebels captured in Neg Or charged

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): 4 suspected NPA rebels captured in Neg Or charged

The Philippine National Police has charged four suspected members of the rebel New People’s Army in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental after they were captured by Scout Rangers of the Philippine Army during an encounter last weekend.

Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army in Tanjay, Negros Oriental identified the four suspects as Ricardo Seniagan, 37 years old of Linantuyan and Thomas Carello Isugan alias Jamis, 19, of Barangay Buenavista all in Guihulngan City, Jessie Gamay Bongcawil, 19, of Barangay Nasunogan, La Libertad, Negros Oriental; and Dandy Manuling Pemerin alias Daniel, 18 years old, of La Castellana, Negros Occidental.

The four were captured after they were allegedly abandoned by their comrades during a clash last Friday at Sitio Cansayawan in Barangay Linantuyan, Guihulngan at the boundary of Barangay Plagatasanon.

In that incident, troopers of the 3rd Scout Ranger Company of the First Scout Ranger Battalion clashed with an estimated 20 suspected NPA members of the Komiteng Rehiyon Negros operating in the northern part of Negros Island.

The encounter took place around 12:50 p.m. with the suspected insurgents dividing themselves into two groups, said Brig. Gen. Patrimonio.

The suspect rebels, who were reportedly left behind by their companions, were captured by pursuing Scout Rangers.

An M-14 armalite was recovered from one of them.

The suspects were turned over to the Guihulngan police who filed appropriate charges against them, to include illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, among others.

Brig. Gen. Patrimonio said Army troops continue with their relentless combat operations with Philippine Air Force helicopters on standby, ready to deploy when warranted.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=563872

MNLF spokesperson assures Palawan remains as ‘Zone of Peace & Dev't’

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): MNLF spokesperson assures Palawan remains as ‘Zone of Peace & Dev't’

A spokesperson of the Moro National Liberation Front here assured Palaweños that the province remains a “Zone of Peace.”

Benhur Halipa, a member of the MNLF, said as a peace and development zone, their organization is bound to respect the agreement it signed with the Ramos administration in 1997 which spans 14 provinces, including Palawan, and 10 cities, including supposedly Zamboanga, where there is an ongoing stand-off between Moro fighters and the military.

In an interview with a local television station afternoon Monday, Halipa said the members of the MNLF in Palawan were surprised to learn about what happened in Zamboanga City, where he and his comrades are supposed to travel for a “peace rally” with their leader Nur Misuari.

“We were supposed to have a peace rally in Zamboanga, and some of us are already there. But I got a call last night telling me of what is happening there, and I was startled. Some of us who remain here, we postponed our trip already because of the incident,” Halipa said.

The MNLF leadership reportedly called out to its key leaders in different provinces to attend the peace rally that will call for “independence” in Zamboanga City on September 10-11, but they were not told there will be fighting.

He added that the MNLF members in Palawan are hoping that the “situation” in Zamboanga City can be resolved the soonest possible time to avoid bloodshed.

In Palawan, he said Palaweños have nothing to worry because MNLF members here want to resolve the issue having their “independence” through peaceful means.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=563902

MILF calls on MNLF for sobriety, urges comrades to take the path of peace than war

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): MILF calls on MNLF for sobriety, urges comrades to take the path of peace than war
 
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Monday called on a faction of the Moro National Liberation (MNLF) who attacked Zamboanga City coastal villages Monday dawn to refrain from using violence in pushing for ideology.

Ghazali Jaafar, speaking for the MILF, said the small fraction of the MNLF "should take the path of peace" in order to avoid unnecessary loss of lives and properties.

Jaafar, also the MILF's vice chair for political affairs, said MILF members in the provinces that comprised the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao were directed to remain neutral and calm.

"The use of force is no longer necessary nowadays," Jaafar told reporters in a radio interview.

But while Jaafar has said the MILF will not, in anyway, participate in the MNLF stance in Zamboanga City, the MILF will get itself involve only for the protection of civilians.

Nur Misuari, whose men led the assault in Zamboanga City Monday with the motive of raising the Bangsamoro Independence Republik flag at the Zamboanga City hall, has publicly declared his opposition to the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement with the MILF.

Last July, he declared an independence of Mindanao with Davao City as its seat of government.

Jaafar said the MILF sees something fishy in the Zamboanga siege describing it as an attempt to derail the resumption of GPH-MILF talks.

GPH and MILF peace panels are set to meet on September 10 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for a 10-day marathon 40th round of exploratory talks aimed at completing the discussion on annexes on power sharing.

"The situation in Zamboanga City will definitely affect the resumption of peace negotiations, it was timed with the resumption of Kuala Lumpur meeting," Jaafar noted.

Jaafar said Misuari had publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the upcoming peace accord between Manila and the MILF "so we cannot avoid suspecting the Zamboanga scenario is part of the efforts to derail the process."

Two of the three faction of the MNLF, those led by former Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin Sema and the MNLF-Islamic Command Council, have agreed to cooperate with the Philippine government in reviewing the unimplemented provisions of the 1996 peace agreement between Manila and MNLF.

President Aquino and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process had repeatedly the deal with the MNLF will not exclude the MNLF but it would be inclusive to include all groups in southern Philippines.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=563907

Zambo mayor declares curfew amidst rebels attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): Zambo mayor declares curfew amidst rebels attack

The city government has declared a curfew effective Monday night until such time the situation will be normalized in the city.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar issued the declaration following a closed-door meeting with Local Government secretary Manuel Roxas, II, Defense secretary Voltaire Gazmin and other top government officials where they discussed issues and problems on the prevailing situation here.

President Benigno Aquino, III sent Roxas and Gazmin to help oversee the situation in this city brought about by the infiltration of rebels loyal to Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding-chair Nur Misuari.

Six people, including a policeman and a Navy soldier, were killed while 24 others were wounded in firefights in Barangay Rio Hondo, 0.92 kilometers east of this city, and Sta. Catalina, 1.76 kms. also east of here.

The firefight broke out early Monday when hundreds of Misuari followers infiltrated this city through the shores of Barangay Rio Hondo and other nearby areas.

A total of 220 people have been held hostage in Barangay Sta. Catalina, police said.

Salazar said the curfew starts from 8 p.m. Monday until 5 a.m. Tuesday. The members of the media were given curfew passes.

Roxas explained the imposition of the curfew is aimed at avoiding misencounter and to ensure the safety of the civilians.

Roxas said that the situation has been under control, saying the rebel forces were contained in barangays Sta. Barbara and Sta. Catalina.

Salazar said that classes and works will remain suspended on Tuesday in all local public and private institutions.

Meanwhile, close to 3,000 evacuees, who fled their homes, are housed at the city’s sports complex. They are from Barangays Tetuan, Talon-Talon, and Kasanyangan.

Personnel of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) headed by Evelyn Las Marias are attending to the needs of the evacuees.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=563954

6 killed, 24 hurt in Zamboanga clashes

From Rappler (Sep 9): 6 killed, 24 hurt in Zamboanga clashes

 

DESERTED. Except for military personnel and media, a street in Zamboanga City is deserted Sept 9, 2013. Photo by Rappler

Up to 400 suspected members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have taken over 4 barangays in Zamboanga City early Monday morning, September 9, Mayor Maria Isabelle "Beng" Climaco told Rappler.

As of 11 am Monday, at least 6 were reported killed (one policeman, one navy personnel and four civilians) while 24 were wounded, including 3 cops, 7 soldiers and 4 civilians, according to Climaco's statement issued 2 p.m. Monday.

"More or less" 20 hostages were still being held by the armed men while 200 civilians are stranded in Barangay Catalina, where the hostages where taken, Police Senior Supt Wilben Mayor told a press conference Monday afternoon in Camp Crame.

The 4 barangays affected are: Sta Barbara, Sta Catalina, Rio Hondo, Mariki, and areas in Talontalon. Climaco said they are verifying if the MNLF had taken over another barangay.

"We are certain it's the MNLF," said Armed Forces public information chief Lt Col Ramon Zagala.

Watch a photo essay showing the situation in Zamboanga City below.

[Video: Zamboanga Clashes  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xke0zYqx5gw]


The Zamboanga attacks came on the day that both the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front are scheduled to resume the final leg of their peace talks.

Climaco said the group wants to march to the City Hall to raise their flag there and declare independence from the government.

"We're trying to contain them in Talontalon," Zagala said. "Our ultimate goal is the safety of the civilians," he added.

The MNLF group is led by Haber Malik, a lieutenant of MNLF founder Nur Misuari. Malik is based in Sulu.

READ: Habier Malik leading MNLF attacks in Zambo

For months now, Misuari has been making noise about the supposed failure of the peace agreement that he signed with former President Fidel Ramos in 1996. His faction wants the Aquino government to enter into another round of talks with them, a demand that is seen as an attempt to dilute the peace process between the Aquino government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

READ: Gov't, MILF gear up for final round of negotiations

Since the 1996 peace agreement, the MNLF has splintered into at least 3 factions: one is led by Misuari, the other by former Cotabato Mayor Muslimin Sema, and the third led by former members of the executive committee of the MNLF who left Misuari during the negotiations with the Ramos government and formed the Islamic Command Council.

READ: The MNLF factions

From the sea

One group sneaked into the city dawn Monday from the sea, and launched the attacks sunrise at the seashore of Barangay Mariki, police intelligence reports obtained by Rappler said.

A second group entered Barangay Catalina, using a mosque in the harbor area, the same reports said.

"There's heavy firing," the reports sent at 8 am said.

As of 8:30 am, the MNLF group was near the Zamboanga City Medical Center, on their way to the City Hall where they plan to raise the MNLF flag.

Members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Davao City. File photo by Karlos Manlupig/Rappler

Loud shots could be heard around the city, a former colonial Spanish port with a population of nearly a million and one of the busiest commercial hubs in Western Mindanao.

Streets were deserted and shops were shuttered. Heavily armed private security personnel as well as troops were guarding the airport, hotels, banks and other institutions.

There were blockades in the coastal areas to prevent more MNLF troops from entering the city. Climaco convened the Crisis Management Committee early Monday morning to address the situation.

Detained

The Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) had an encounter with the MNLF troops 1 a.m. Monday at sea off Barangay Mariki, where one soldier was reportedly killed.

The PNP also detained Sunday night, September 8, at least 6 suspected MNLF members in barangay Rio Hondo for illegal possession of firearms.

Climaco said the MNLF troops also want to proceed to Basilan. Mayor Cherilyn Santos Akbar also cancelled work and classes there, according to the Philippine Information Agency.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma told dzXL radio that the government's priority is to ensure the safety of civilians.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/38432-mnlf-hostages-zamboanga-city