Zambo crisis spillover fears allayed

MANILA, Philippines - Army troops in the Caraga region on Wednesday vowed to remain vigilant to maintain peace in the region amid the ongoing crisis in Zamboanga City.

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has presence in the region which consists of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Islands.

Col. Ferdinand Quidilla, chief of the Army’s 402nd brigade, said his forces would remain vigilant and would continue to work with the police to prevent untoward incidents.

He reminded civilians that they are barred from wearing military uniforms or carrying firearms. Quidilla said the restriction was meant to prevent confusion among the public.

“The law regulation this shall be strictly observed,” he said.

The Army is also coordinating with the Office of Muslim Affairs (OMA) in the region to prepare for any eventuality as far as MNLF movements is concerned.

Yusoph Dianalan, regional director of OMA-Caraga called on Muslims to refrain from joining any attack that could cause outrage.

“It is noted that the MNLF group here in Caraga region had inherited the distinct characteristics of every Caraganons who are peace-loving-people, Dianalan said in a statement released by the Army.

Security forces in Davao have also claimed that the situation in the region remains normal.

“There is no imminent threat or danger monitored as of this report. Everybody is hoping for peace in the region,” said Maj. Jake Obligado, spokesman of the Army’s 10th division.

Spillover fears allayed

Meanwhile, Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr. allayed fears that the conflict in Zamboanga could spillover to Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

Tutaan said efforts are underway to contain the violent incidents in Zamboanga City.

“That’s a concern and we don’t want it to spillover to other areas. All our units in the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) are always looking into this to prevent a spillover,” he said in a press briefing yesterday.

Tutaan maintained that security forces in the field have managed to contain the violence.

When asked why clashes occurred in Barangays Canelar and San Roque, areas that did not see atrocities during the first day of the crisis, Tutaan said: “We cannot categorically say this is a spillover. This could be because some groups want to enter (the cordoned area).”

“Without confirmatory reports, we cannot speculate about what the incident is all about,” he added.