MANILA, (PNA) — President Benigno S. Aquino III visited Saturday the evacuees in Zamboanga City affected by the ongoing standoff after members of the Moro National Liberation Front attacked several villages in the city this week.
In a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the President assured the evacuees in Zamboanga City of sufficient food supply for everybody.
The President said all concerned agencies of the national government will continue to ensure that affected residents in the city will receive government assistance, Valte said.
Referring to a bulletin from the Dept. of the Interior and Local Government, Valte said the President met with the local crisis management committee and stakeholders yesterday afternoon.
The defense department also reported this morning that no ceasefire has been implemented and fighting between the government forces and MNLF-Misuari faction continues.
The MNLF’s actions, taking of hostages and using them as human shields, shooting civilians, fire fighters and rescue workers, are violations of the Second Protocol of the Geneva Convention relating to the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts, Valte said.
The government will make the attackers accountable but in the meantime security forces will see to it that civilians are kept out of harm’s way, the Palace official said.
On Friday morning, the President flew to Zamboanga City to personally assess the situation and ensure that the people affected in the conflict receive government assistance and care.