Misuari Disowns Actions of MNLF Men – Mayor Says

MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari has disowned the actions of his men who have been engaging government troops in an almost four day standoff in Zamboanga City, Mayor Beng Climaco said on Thursday.

A Twitter account of Zamboanga City local government has quoted Climaco saying she was able to talk with Misuari Wednesday night, Gma news online said thursday.

The mayor has said Misuari was particularly disowning the actions of Habier Malik, the leader of the MNLF fighters who have been holding hostage several civilians in several Zamboanga City villages.

“I expressed my openness to continue communication with Misuari as well (as) Malik to find peaceful resolution of this conflict,” Mayor Climaco added. The mayor made the statement during an ongoing press conference at the Zamboanga City Hall on Thursday.

Mayor Climaco said she is in coordination with ulamas (Muslim legal scholars) and religious sectors who are helping the local government address the standoff, which reached its fourth day on Thursday.

The mayor has made repeated appeals to the MNLF elements to release their hostages especially the elderly, the sick, the children and people with disabilities. She also assured the affected residents that they have more than enough food and security, Gma news online reported.

Climaco said six of the 98 barangays of the city have been infiltrated by the MNLF forces, adding that the imposition of curfew was smooth Wednesday night with no significant violations.

Climaco also added that she has talked with Father Michael Ufana, who was among the hostages. She said the Catholic priest had told her that he is well. Ufana was said to be with his parents who were celebrating their wedding anniversary last Wednesday when the rebels took them in Barangay Sta. Catalina, Gma news online said.

Moreover, Climaco made appeals to the business sectors of the community in unaffected areas to “continue to sell supplies.” She said “Those in the commercial areas, if you decide not to open your stores, please open alternative stores in safer areas and help keep our city running.”

Climaco added she had written Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas executives “requesting that they find creative ways to open in unaffected areas and secure approval from your senior management offices so that our people can transact business, as our people need additional supply of funds.” Gma news online reported.

The mayor also made a similar call to pawnshop operators and remittance centers. She has also requested doctors to “remain in hospitals because you are needed to serve patients who have medical needs in these very trying times.” Gma news online reported.

Source:  Gma news tv