MANILA: There is no need to declare a state of emergency in Zamboanga City despite continued skirmishes between security forces and armed followers of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari, President Aquino said yesterday.
“At this time, no need yet,” he told reporters at the 7th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Navy Chiefs’ Meeting held at the Raffles and Fairmont Hotel in Makati City.
Aquino said the situation would hopefully turn for the better since the deployment of more troops is expected to contain the hostilities.
“On Monday, our troops were adequate. By now, I think it will be overwhelming. We have already airlifted more of our troops, along with our most elite forces, and they are already in Zamboanga City. The way I understand it, the situation there will now be calm,” Aquino added.
He said the primary concern is for civilians not to be caught in the crossfire and will no longer be used as human shields by the Muslim rebels being pursued by soldiers.
The instructions were to enhance the safety of civilians in the communities concerned.
Aquino, however, refused to give any ultimatum to the Muslim rebels, pointing out that the government’s utmost concern is the safety of all the innocent civilians who may be harmed in the on-going hostilities.
“So, we’re leaving the tactical decisions to our tactical commanders,” he said, noting that both the military and the local police have been coordinating efforts to maintain peace and prevent more sporadic clashes in the area.
Aquino said the Department of Justice is now investigating what possible charges could be filed against Misuari.
The Philippine Star
