PNP exec: Govt hoping to end Zambo clearing ops by weekend

Published September 24, 2013 11:26am

The government hopes to finally end by this weekend the three-week-old crisis involving followers of Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari in Zamboanga City.

In a radio interview, Philippine National Police deputy for operations Deputy Director General Felipe Rojas Jr. said they are "winding down" their operations at this time.

"We're winding down our operations. We hope to end it by this weekend," Rojas told dzBB radio.

Citing his information, he said there are about 15 more hostages left. He said the government forces will "press on" with its operations until they are released.

Rojas also belied claims that the forces of Habier Malik, the commander of the MNLF forces in Zamboanga City, had increased.

He added clearing operations will be sustained until the MNLF members are removed.

The MNLF started the crisis last September 9 by taking several civilians hostage, but the government has retaken most of the MNLF-controlled areas.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala told GMA News that they are hoping for the clearing operations to be over soon, but a few MNLF snipers continue to fire.

Zagala added that though there are no indications of surrender of the MNLF gunmen, "kumokonti na ang mga putok nila for the past few days."

He added that MNLF rebels are still hiding in 10 houses along Lustre Street in Barangay Santa Catalina.

Acording to the same television report, two MG-520 attack helicopters were used by the military to drop rockets against the MNLF gunmen spotted in Barangay Mariki.

The report added that the Philippine Navy also assisted in the operations. Ambulances were also spotted going in and out of Barangay Santa Barbara, it added.

KGK Building

Military troops were able to rescue civilians Elizabeth Climaco Bannister and her father after being stranded since September 9 inside their home just behind the KGK building where MNLF Commander Ustadz Habier Malik was hiding.

"Nagdasal na lang kami," she tearfully recalled. "Sabi ko nalang kay tatay, magdasal ka 'tay."

Government troops also recovered a few items the MNLF snipers left behind, including drugs which they may have used to keep themselves awake, and a few bottles of gasoline which they may have used to make molotov bombs, according to the report.

In the same report, Captain Dranreb Lansang, commanding officer of the 15th Scout Ranger Company, said the molotov bombs may be used to burn down the houses.

"When they are cornered, sinusunog nila ang bahay para ma-obscure po, hindi ka maka-forward," he said.

High morale

As of posting time, a total of 15 soldiers and police officers have died, two of them being military officers, including 2nd Lt. Florencio Mikael Meneses, who passed away in a hospital while being treated after being hit at his waist.

The report added that Lansang was also injured when a sniper hit his thigh.

"The moment I was wounded, nagpaalam ako sa kanila, Sir. Sabi ko, kaya niyo 'yan at babalik ako sa inyo," he said.

"'Yung morale ng ating Sandataan Lakas ng Pilipinas ay napakataas. Madami tayo wounded, nag-volunteer magpa-discharge para sumama ulit sa labanan," Zagala said. — with Amanda Fernandez/RSJ, GMA News

Tags: mnlf, zamboangacity, zamboangacityattack