Nur Misuari
MANILA, Philippines— Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari said hundreds of his armed fighters will continue efforts to free foreign hostages held by al-Qaeda-linked gunmen in Mindanao despite a clash last week that killed scores of combatants from both sides.
Misuari told The Associated Press late Tuesday that he ordered his men to reassess their plans following the February 3 clash but to resume efforts aimed at securing the safe release of several hostages, including a Jordanian and two European men, held by Abu Sayyaf gunmen in Sulu province.
Misuari said the clash killed eight MNLF combatants from his group, including a commander, and several gunmen from the Abu Sayyaf, many members of which have fled from their jungle strongholds in Sulu’s mountainous Patikul town.