MANILA, (PNA) — Malacanang allayed the concerns of the international community on the ongoing conflict between government troops and the members of the Moro National Liberation Front-Misuari faction in Zamboanga City, saying the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III was doing everything in its power to end the standoff peacefully and expeditiously.
The Indonesian government, through its Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, expressed concern over the recent developments in the ongoing armed conflict in Zamboanga City.
In a press briefing aired over state-run radio dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte also appealed for calm and understanding as the government addresses the standoff.
“Ginagawa ho natin lahat ng makakaya natin sa panahong ito para lutasin nga ang sitwasyon sa Zamboanga City,” Valte said.
She pointed out that government troops had to exercise caution and move in a “calibrated” manner as hostages were involved in the standoff.
“Alam naman po din natin ‘yung mga komplikasyon dahil meron silang mga binihag na mga kababayan natin, kaya unti-unti at very calibrated ang galaw ng ating mga security forces doon, para siguraduhing hindi naman madamay o malagay sa panganib ang iba pang mga kasamahan natin doon,” Valte said.