ZAMBOANGA CITY, (PNA) -– The remaining Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels were told that it is not yet late for them to consider surrendering to end the standoff.
This was the strong message of President Benigno Aquino, III Thursday, saying he valued life and told the remaining rebels to examine if they too valued their own lives.
“Hindi pa huli ang lahat doon sa mga natitrang pwersa ng kalaban. Sa akin mahalaga ang buhay baka gusto niyong tingnan kung mahalaga din ang buhay niyo, at di pa huli ang lahat para tapusin ito ng mabawasan yung mamatay o masusugatan, nasa inyong kamay yan,” President Aquino stressed.
The President issued the message as he said the government is ready to talk peace and to confront those who will place in danger the lives of the people.
At least 86 MNLF rebels were killed while 108 others were captured or surrendered in the continued military action as the standoff enters the 11th day Thursday.
The fighting started last Sept 9 when hundreds of MNLF rebels led by Habier Malik have infiltrated this city through the shores of Barangay Rio Hondo and other nearby barangays.
Malik, a Sulu-based MNLF commander is one of the trusted field commanders of MNLF founding-chair Nur Misuari.