By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Armed Moro National
Liberation Front (MNLF) members, believed to be followers of Chairman Nur
Misuari, staged an attack in the city early dawn today, sneaking in some
coastal barangays.
Initial reports say members of the MNLF entered through Barangay Sta.
Barbara, Rio Hondo, and Talon-Talon but Task Force Zamboanga immediately
learned of the activity prompting them to call for reinforcement resulting in a
firefight.
MNLF forcefully took some civilians as human shield to counter the
military forces.
Zamboanga City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar suspended all classes as
well as work in city government offices. Reports also revealed there are no
banking transactions, except for access to some ATM machines.
As of this writing, 11 MNLF members, including one high ranking official,
were arrested by the authorities but names were not yet divulged as of press
time.
Unverified reports said the MNLF is trying to make it to the City Hall to
raise their flag as a sign of independence from the republic.
Authorities assured they have full control of the situation and have
implemented all necessary security measures to prevent escalation of the
standoff.
Boat trips from the city to Basilan and Jolo were suspended by the
Philippine Coast Guard while flights bound for Tawi-Tawi were also cancelled. (PIA9)