MNLF asked to discipline ranks first

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang yesterday called on Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari to impose discipline among their ranks before blaming the government for the killing of their men in a clash with security forces in Palawan.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said it was understandable that Misuari would side with his men “but we stand by the Armed Forces squarely on this issue.”

He said Misuari was given nearly a day to call on commanders Abdullah Abdurajak and a certain Paguro to surrender but they ignored such a call and left government troops with no recourse but to enforce the law and allow the displaced people to return to their homes.

MNLF forces led by Abdurajak and Paguro reportedly seized the remote island of Matangguli off Balabac town in southern Palawan, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate early Wednesday.

Government forces retook the island the following day, leaving seven MNLF members killed and five others arrested.

“While his (Misuari’s) offer to help is of course welcome, it appeared that he was not able to stop his men until time came that our security forces could not allow the situation to continue,” Remonde said.

Remonde said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the police gave a 24-hour deadline to negotiate with the MNLF leaders to seek a peaceful end to the situation.

“I think we should all agree that after a reasonable period of time, if these people will not give up peacefully, I think it’s incumbent upon the security forces of the state to do what needs to be done in order to implement, to enforce the law,” he said.

This developed as the villagers displaced by the fighting started to return to their homes yesterday.

Military information chief Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said the government troops who figured in the clashes with the MNLF have also started to pull out of the island. – With James Mananghaya