Roxas: Feelers sent by people offering to negotiate with MNLF

Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II INQUIRER File Photo

MANILA, Philippines—Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II said Tuesday the local crisis management committee has received feelers from individuals offering help in negotiating with members of the Moro National Liberation Front for the release of their hostages in Zamboanga City.

Roxas said authorities were open to discussions, but noted that they have yet to determine the credibility of people offering assistance.

“What we have to find out is whether these people who are offering to help know the leaders of this armed group and have authority to negotiate,” Roxas said in Filipino.

He said the government would demand the “unconditional” release of all hostages if the MNLF would agree to talk with the local crisis management committee.

“The position of the government is clear: We want all hostages to be released and ensure the safety of all residents of Zaboanga City,” he said.

Roxas said government officials were working in coordination with local executives and community leaders to ensure that residents caught in the crossfire between security forces and MNLF rebels were moved to safer grounds.

City officials, he said, qwre in close coordination with field personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Health to make sure that the evacuated residents were protected and well taken care of.

Police and military officials said up to six hostages have been released.

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