MNLF asks OIC to probe cause of Zambo standoff

From the Daily Tribune (Jan 24): MNLF asks OIC to probe cause of Zambo standoff

The Moro National Liberation Front has asked the powerful Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) to conduct an independent investigation of the Zamboanga City conflict last year that resulted in the neutralization of more than 200 MNLF fighters.

Lawyer Emmanuel Fontanilla, spokesman of the MNLF, said that the group has formally asked OIC to look into the Zamboanga City incident to determine what prompted the conflict.

“The group requested the OIC to conduct investigation into the Zamboanga incident. The MNLF has written the OIC to conduct investigation to determine who caused the incident,” Fontanilla said.

Last Nov. 8, more than 300 MNLF supporters of chairman Nur Misuari wanted to hoist the MNLF flag at the Zamboanga City hall following declaration of the Bangsamoro Republic but were prevented by government authorities, resulting in armed confrontation.

The military launched calibrated response against the MNLF fighters, led by Ustadz Habier Malik, who took more than 200 civilians as hostages.
The conflict dragged for 21 days until the military cleared at least six barangays in the city of MNLF forces.

More than 200 MNLF fighters were killed, along with more than 20 government security forces, including junior officers of the elite Light Reaction Companies deployed in the frontline.

The conflict displaced more than 100,000 individuals.

Fontanilla said that the MNLF will continue to pursue its Bangsamoro Republic through peaceful means.

“The group is organizing and it affirmed to pursue its objective through peaceful means,” he added.

Last year, Misuari declared independence from the government and established Bangsamoro Republic, in an apparent protest against the peace negotiations between the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

As a result of the Zamboanga siege, Misuari is now wanted for rebellion and genocide. However, the MNLF founding chairman remains elusive.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/mnlf-asks-oic-to-probe-cause-of-zambo-standoff