6 more Misuari followers in custody, firefight resumes on 19th day of Zambo crisis

At least six more followers of Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari were taken into custody Friday even as fighting resumed on the 19th day of clashes between government and MNLF forces in Zamboanga City.

 

The fighting in Sta. Barbara village in the city broke a 12-hour silence, radio dzBB's Benjie Liwanag Jr. reported.

 

The report said the MNLF members were brought to the city police office where medical personnel attended to their wounds.

 

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Friday that 45 Misuari followers under female commander Misba Baladji said surrendered due to injuries and hunger.

45 Misuari fighters under female commander Misba Baladji yesterday said they were forced to surrender because of injuries and hunger.

— Team AFP (@TeamAFP) September 27, 2013

 

It added Baladji, 69, had taken over her dead husband's role.

 

The AFP quoted Baladji as saying she was promised P15,000 by a "trusted deputy" of Misuari to join a so-called peace march.

 

For its part, the Philippine National Police said many of the MNLF fighters who surrendered Thursday also claimed they had been similarly "deceived."

 

"May mga nagsabi they were deceived," PNP deputy for operations Deputy Director General Felipe Rojas Jr. said in an interview on dzBB radio Friday.

 

Misuari's followers started the crisis Sept. 9 when they engaged government in a standoff by taking civilians hostage.

 

The government has since retaken most of the MNLF-controlled areas. —KG, GMA News