Malacañang on Monday condemned the attack allegedly perpetrated by members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) against government troops in Zamboanga City that left one soldier dead and six others wounded.
“We condemn the attack on Zamboanga City in the strongest possible terms. It is incumbent on all people of goodwill to reject the violence that has erupted,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement.
Lacierda expressed “great concern” over the ongoing skirmishes in the city following reports that at least 30 civilians including children were reportedly being held hostage by the MNLF rebels and are being used as “human shields”.
“The ongoing attack of armed individuals in Zamboanga City, including initial reports of the possible use of civilians as human shields, is a cause for great concern,” he said.
He assured that authorities are responding to the situation particularly in reducing risk to civilians and are working on restoring peace in Zamboanga City at the soonest time possible.
Lacierda, likewise, said that President Benigno Aquino III is closely monitoring the incident and keeping himself apprised of any development.
“The City government has appealed for the national government to help; the President is being briefed on the situation and is receiving updates as new information comes in,” he said.
Malacanang, meanwhile, warned the public against spreading speculations that might further inflict fear on the people of Zamboanga.
“We ask our fellow citizens to refrain from spreading speculations, as fear and alarm spread by disinformation will only help those intent on disrupting the lives of residents of Zamboanga City,” Lacierda said.
Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said that hundreds of armed followers of former MNLF chairman Nur Misuari launched an attack in Zamboanga City before dawn Monday supposedly with demands of declaring independence from the Philippines government.
Climaco-Salazar has suspended classes and operations of government offices within the city due to the situation.
At least 11 MNLF members were arrested following the incident. (PND)