Malacanang trying to determine nexus between Midsayap attack and Zambo siege

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Malacanang trying to determine nexus between Midsayap attack and Zambo siege

Malacanang has yet to determine whether Monday morning's attack allegedly perpetrated by Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Midsayap, North Cotabato was connected to the Zamboanga City siege.

"I will not be able to judge whether it is related to Zamboanga," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told a media briefing.

"According to Lt. Col. Demi Zagala, they were on patrol when they encountered the BIFF. So we'll get more specific reports as to iyong encounter na 'yun," he added.

Citing a text message from Zagala, Lacierda said militarymen on patrol encountered an undetermined number of BIFF rebels while conducting clearing operations in Sitio Mirasol, Brgy. Polomugen in Midsayap at 8:35 a.m.

Lacierda said one solider was killed while another was wounded in the attack. He also said four teachers of Malingao Elementary School were abducted with one already released.

"Wala na pong firefight ngayon doon. Merong negosasyon doon po sa tatlong guro ayon sa balita ni Lieutenant Colonel Demi Zagala," he said.

He said the government has enough resources to respond to the hostilities in Zamboanga City, where government forces are on a standoff with Moro National Liberation Front fighters, and in Midsayap.

"We have resources capable of handling both Zamboanga and Midsayap," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=568666