Misuari's group: No surrender, no negotiations

MANILA, Philippines - The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) faction of Nur Misuari, whose members are engaged in an armed standoff in Zamboanga City, are not keen on negotiations with the government.

Rev. Absalmom Cerveza, spokesperson of Misuari's group, said they are not going to negotiate with the government and they will not surrender.

"We have been speaking to the government for the last 35 years. And at the end of the day, this is what happened," Cerveza said in an interview with ANC. "If you will talk about Misuari's surrender... no surrender, no retreat."

But Cerveza also said there is still a possibility that they will "listen" from other parties.

"We are not keenly interested in negotiations," Cerveza said. "However, we are still human beings. We are still civilized people. And always there is a chance that we will listen to what is reasonable, what is beneficial, and what is to the best interest of our people."

Cerveza said a possible mediator should be allowed, but "we will not offer anybody or ask anybody to mediate for us."

"We are not anymore interested in mediation," he said.

Members of the MNLF belonging to Misuari’s group infiltrated some coastal barangays of Zamboanga City on Monday and have been in a standoff with government forces since.

At least four people have been killed due to reported clashes between the two sides while numerous civilians have been stranded in the city.

Security forces believe that at least 180 people are being held as hostages by the groups in at least four areas in the city.

In a joint press statement, the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels said those behind the attacks in the City do not want the ongoing Bangsamoro peace process to succeed.

"Their actions intend to derail the process using violence and disinformation to spread fear and chaos in Mindanao," the statement said.

Secretary Teresita Deles, Presidential adviser on the peace process, clarified in a televised press briefing on Wednesday that Misuari was not set aside in the peace process between the government and the MILF.

Deles said the government is committed to engage with the MNLF in moving forward to a peaceful settlement on the problem in the southern Philippines.

No ceasefire with rogue MNLF members

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) clarified that there is no ceasefire with the infiltrating MNLF members in Zamboanga City.

"There is no formal ceasefire contrary to some reports," AFP public information office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala was quoted as saying in a Philippine News Agency report.

He said the AFP is "standing down" to allow the crisis management committee in Zamboanga City to make necessary moves to negotiate peacefully.

Zagala said the government troops will continue to cordon the areas occupied by the rogue MNLF fighters to prevent them from escaping or being reinforced by their sympathizers.

"Our paramount concern is the safety of the civilians and for the movement we are hoping that the efforts of the crisis management center will result in the safe release of all the hostages," he said.

Fresh fighting erupted earlier as troops attempted to enter Barangay Sta. Barbara, one of the villages occupied by MNLF fighters.