Trillanes welcome to MNLF as emissary, says spokesman

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV EDWIN BACASMAS

MANILA, Philippines—The spokesman of the Moro National Liberation Front said Friday that Senator Antonio Trillanes IV would be most welcome to their group as a government emissary to end the Zamboanga siege.

Atty. Emmanuel Fontanilla told DZIQ Radyo Inquirer 990 AM in an interview that they believed that Trillanes would be able to help in solving the current crisis that has hit Zamboanga City.

The crisis started when armed followers of MNLF founder Nur Misuari landed in Zamboanga City early Monday morning and tried to hoist their flag at the City Hall. They were repulsed by government troops and had since taken positions and hostages in at least five villages in the city.

Fontanilla said Trillanes, being a former rebel himself, would have the mindset to understand and help defuse the situation from further worsening.

He called on the senator to talk to them to help thresh out the problems and how to bring a third party that could end the hostilities that have since broken out between the rebels and the military.

Fontanilla said Misuari had approved the plan of calling on Trillanes to serve as emissary “if he has the time and likes it.’’