By
Dominic I. Sanchez
ZAMBOANGA
CITY - Department of Interior and Local Government
Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II has assured the public that government forces
have successfully contained and isolated the situation in five (5) barangays in
Zamboanga City, where members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) held several people against their will,
including women and children and where there has been continuous exchange of
gunfire since yesterday (September 9).
The
5 barangays include Sta. Catalina, Sta. Barbara, Mampang, Kasangyangan and
Talon-Talon.
“Na-contain
na ang sitwasyon, at yung importante, hindi na ito kakalat sa iba pang mga
barangay,” (the situation is contained and it will not spread to other
barangays), said Secretary Roxas in a press briefing held at the City Hall 12
noon today.
Secretary
Roxas emphasized that the military and police are using a more defensive
strategy in addressing the situation with the MNLF.
“Our
priority is to ensure that there will be a peaceful resolution of this matter,”
he said.
Meanwhile,
Zamboanga Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar emphasized that vital
installations like Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative, the water district,
gasoline stations and hospitals are secured by the police and military. Moreover,
Mayor Climaco appealed that in the face of the crisis that the city is handling,
citizens should be more vigilant and cooperative with government in providing
information that could help resolve this situation.
Earlier
today, 5 persons, 4 of whom are children were already released by the MNLF.
“The people were released through negotiations, both formal and informal,” said
Secretary Roxas.
As
of this writing (at around 2:30pm today), there has been an explosion in the
vicinity of Sta. Barbara (near the Land Transportation Office and Department of Social Welfare and
Development Regional Offices), followed by more gunfire. All other persons,
including journalists were asked to vacate the immediate vicinity.
The
DSWD yesterday had already established a satellite office near the evacuation
center in Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex to cater to the needs of the
evacuees.
Ten
(10) AFP tanks and more reinforcements have already reached the area. (PIA9)