Malacanang strongly condemns Zamboanga City attack

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Manila, Philippines – Malacanang has condemned “in the strongest possible terms” the attack on Zamboanga City by suspected Moro National Liberation Front (MLF) and appealed to the public to refrain from spreading speculations.

“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 spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a statement on Monday, adding that the reports that the MNLF has been holding civilian hostages were a cause of “great concern.”

“We ask our fellow citizens to refrain from spreading speculation: fear and alarm spread by disinformation will only help those intent on disrupting the lives of residents of Zamboanga City,” Lacierda said.

Authorities, he said,  were dealing with the situation  “in a manner that will reduce the risk to innocent civilians and restore peace and order to Zamboanga City at the soonest possible time.”

President Benigno Aquino has been receiving updates on the situation.  The President, according to Zamboanga City Government’s Twitter account, has already spoken to Mayor Isabelle Climaco Salazar.

“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,” Lacierda added.

Related Story:

MNLF holding up to 30 hostages