Misuari disowns Malik's actions in Zambo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  - Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari disowned the attack staged by his followers that shut down the operation of the city for the fourth straight day now, officials said.

The hostility, which broke out Monday, has already left seven killed - five from the government forces and two civilians - while  44 others were wounded – among them 21 civilians.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, chairperson of the crisis management committee (CMC), said she was able to speak Wednesday with Misuari  in hopes that it could  pave the way for the peaceful end to the crisis.

Salazar said Misuari has disowned the action of Commander Habier Malik, who is leading the hostage takers at Sta. Barbara and Sta. Catalina barangays, which are about  350 meters away from the city hall.

“What is interesting is that Misuari disowned the actions of Habier Malik,” Salazar said,  citing that she also expressed  her willingness to keep her lines open with  Misuari and Malik to find a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

However, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) believed that Misuari is behind the attack and doubted the former was giving Malik the free hand to stage the attack in the city.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP public affairs chief who is here helping with the media briefing, said they have intelligence and other information “that Commander Malik does not act on his own.”

“Regarding that chairman Misuari is giving a free hand on commander Malik, it is the belief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that Misuari is behind these attacks,” Zagala said. “Malik is not acting on his own.”

Zagala said the action of the MNLF faction of Misuari in this city was deliberate as they were monitored to have arrived in this city at 1 a.m.  Monday fully armed.

“And if  it is their belief that they want political solution,  definitely this is not what they should be doing,  [they should not commit] violence,” Zagala added.

He said that while they took cognizance of the effort of  Climaco-Salazar, the military  remains firm in its operation and mission to contain the rebels in one area.

“The AFP remains firm  in its operations and mission at the moment to contain the rebels in this area and to prevent them from leaving and make those responsible answerable,” Zagala said.

Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesman of the ground police operation, said at least seven killed, including five government forces and two civilians since hostilities broke out Monday,  while 44 others, including 15 government forces and 21 civilians, were wounded.

Among those killed were Police Inspector Jay Oy-Oyan, Police Officer 2 Christian Hernaes, and Police Officer 3 Murphy Abbilan.

Huesca said at least 15 MNLF members were neutralized -  either killed or captured, as the standoff continued Thursday.