Nur Misuari. FILE PHOTO
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Nur Misuari’s renewed declaration of Mindanao’s independence and talk of “movements” of Moro National Liberation Front fighters have fueled rumors of another impending MNLF attack on the city, and security officials say they are not taking the rumors lightly.
Colonel Andrelino Colina, commander of the military-led Joint Task Group Zamboanga, told the Inquirer on Tuesday that the authorities have put in place what he called the “Guardian Shield,” an elaborate security plan to shield the city from an attack similar to one the MNLF carried out in September 2013 and “to protect the people from possible terror attacks from threat groups.”
Colina admitted that reports of an impending MNLF attack, which have not been validated, had alarmed residents as the first anniversary of the so-called Zamboanga siege draws near.
“We continue to monitor and validate these reports,” he said.
Colina said the military has monitored movements of MNLF men and noted Misuari’s renewed declaration of independence, which was why the authorities have tightened security in the city.
Senior Superintendent Angelito Casimiro, the city’s police chief, said another reason Guardian Shield was created was to give residents a chance to “commemorate the September siege in a positive way as Zamboangueños rise from the incident with dignity.”
“We do not want the September 2013 incident to happen again,” he said, adding that Guardian Shield, which entailed the deployment of more troops, was seen as a “permanent defense plan for the city.”
At least 140 people, including about a dozen civilians, were killed in nearly a month of fighting, punctuated by loud explosions and uncontrolled fires in September 2013. Thousands of houses and other buildings were razed.
Habib Mudjahab Hashim, chairman of the MNLF Islamic Command Council, admitted receiving text messages about another plot to lay siege on the city by his colleagues in the MNLF. But he said he did not give credence to the text messages as even security officials had not verified these to be legitimate.
Hashim said he suspected that the unverified reports were being spread around by “people who would only like to sow fear and panic.”
“These are unfounded,” he said.
He said launching an attack was farthest from the mind of Misuari, who is now more concerned about his safety.
Misuari faces warrants of arrest for his alleged role in the September 2013 crisis.
“He is busy moving and hiding from one place to another for his safety,” Hasim said.
He said the reported MNLF movements could be part of the gatherings to commemorate the Sept. 2, 1996 peace accord, which he described as historic for the erstwhile rebel group.
RELATED STORIES
MNLF storms Zamboanga City, leaves 6 dead
Thousands still in evacuation center 11 months after Zamboanga siege