MNLF tumangging pasimuno sa gulo sa Zambo

MANILA, Philippines – Pinabulaanan ng Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) ngayong Lunes ang mga balitang nakaengkwentro nila ang Philippine Navy at tumangay sila ng mga bihag.

Sinabi ng MNLF sa kanilang facebook page na dumepensa lamang sila matapos Makita ang mga sundalo na anila’y "large troop movement that is tactical in nature."

"Media published it as an 'ATTACK'. The truth is, there was no 'ATTACK' because there are no shootings yet," pahayag ng MNLF sa kanilang Facebook account na hawak ni John Petalcorin, ang director for advocacy communication ng grupo.

"If you mean like a hold-up hostage situation that you see in movies, there is none. Everyone in Zamboanga City now is a hostage inside their houses or cars as a result of their own fear, especially those inside the convergence zone," dagdag nila.

Sinabi pa ni Petalcorin na wala silang ideya sa mga balitang pag-atake ngayong Lunes.

Ayon sa mga ulat ay isang miyembro ng Philippine Navy ang nasawi sa engkwentro nila ng MNLF sa Rio Hondo, Zamboanga.

Samantala, kinondena ng Palasyo ang pag-atake ng rebeldeng grupo.

“We condemn the attack on Zamboanga City in the strongest possible terms. It is incumbent on all people of goodwill to reject the violence that has erupted,” pahayag ni Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.

Hindi rin nagustuhan ng Malacanang ang pagbihag umano ng MNLF upang gawing “human shield.”

“The ongoing attack of armed individuals in Zamboanga City, including initial reports of the possible use of civilians as human shields, is a cause for great concern. The authorities are responding to the situation in a manner that will reduce the risk to innocent civilians and restore peace and order to Zamboanga City at the soonest possible time,” dagdag niya.