Military distributes flyers to appeal to MNLF

From ABS-CBN (Sep 22): Military distributes flyers to appeal to MNLF

Soldiers are trying another alternative tack to urge followers of Nur Misuari to surrender to the government.

Despite the continuous government operations in Zamboanga, the government continues to reach out to the Misuari faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte told radio dzRB that the soldiers are now distributing flyers in the barangays and in homes where they may be hiding.

“The flyers contain words urging the men to finally surrender and end the hostilities,” she said. “So far, there are those who have responded.”

However, Valte stressed that the military’s calibrated response to the situation there continues, with the men have been going around “from house to house, block to block” as part of their clearing operations.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines earlier reported that a large number has been contained, although those on the loose are still very dangerous.

More than 100,000 civilians have evacuated from their homes and settled at a grandstand in Zamboanga.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development earlier feared a humanitarian crisis amid the increasing number of civilians displaced by the fighting.

“The relief operations will continue. Not only that, the government will also pursue rehabilitation efforts and psychological assistance,” Valte said, noting that Education Secretary Armin Luistro is also now in the area to help teachers facilitate the emotional recovery of those who were caught in the middle of the crossfire between the two parties.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/09/22/13/military-distributes-flyers-appeal-mnlf