MANILA, (PNA) -–The government on Friday vowed to intensify security operation, including checkpoints, along the vicinity of San Ramon Penal Farm in Zamboanga City where more or less 200 members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Nur Misuari faction are now detained.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, during a radio interview, said that aside from regular jail guards and police personnel, Marine troops are now deployed within the vicinities of San Ramon Penal Farm.
Roxas said that more than 90 personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are now deployed in the area, including an armored vehicle.
”Sapat naman ang proteksyun. Hindi ko lang mabigay ang detalye para hindi mapagplanuhan ng mga masasamang loob ,” said Roxas.
Aside from the security personnel detailed in the detention facility, Roxas said that checkpoints are established along routes leading to the area.
”Papaigtingin pa natin ang kanilang pagbabantay dyan sa mga checkpoints,” said Roxas.
A total of 209 followers of Misuari are now detained at the San Ramon Penal Farm after they were captured or decided to surrender for their involvement in the siege of Zamboanga City which started last Sept. 9.
Some 141 MNLF fighters killed since the eruption in Zamboanga City.
On the other hand, 18 soldiers, including three young officers, have been killed and 167 were wounded. Five policemen also perished and 14 others injured in the prolonged conflict.
Twelve civilians have been killed and 54 others were wounded. A total of 190 hostages have been so far rescued and the military would not give a latest estimate on the captives still at the hands of the MNLF.