Roxas: Rebellion charges vs MNLF fighters

MANILA, Philippines - Rebellion charges will be filed against the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels involved in the continuing Zamboanga City siege, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II announced Wednesday.

In a televised press briefing, Roxas said rebellion charges will be filed against the members of the Nur Misuari-led MNLF faction during the inquest proceedings.

Roxas said the rebellion charges already include the specific acts of murder, arson, illegal possession of firearms, among others, based on the sworn statements of witnesses such as the hostaged civilians and MNLF surrenderees.

He said an additional charge against the rebels will be the violation of the International Humanitarian Law for invading some villages of Zamboanga City and using hostaged civilians as human shields during the hostilities with government forces.

Roxas said the Department of Justice is still studying if charges will also be filed against Misuari, the MNLF founding chair.

Provincial prosecutor Peter Medalle said in the same briefing that two members of the special panel of prosecutors created by the Department of Justice has started the inquest proceedings against the rebels who have already been arrested.

"Charges have been prepared against those who are now under detention or who have been arrested or surrendered for violation of the Revised Penal Code under the provision on rebellion," Medalle said.

The official said so far, around 70 rebels have been formally charged under the inquest proceedings and the number is expected to rise since the standoff is still ongoing.

"The commission of this act is still continuing so additional names will be included," Medalle said.

The Zamboanga standoff between government troops and MNLF forces started on September 9 when the rebels occupied some barangays to reportedly conduct a "peace rally."

The  standoff is now on its 10th day and 82,106 people from 14 barangays have been affected, according to the latest data of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The NDRRMC said as of Tuesday, at least 88 people have been killed including 71 MNLF members and seven civilians.

At least 166 people have also been wounded including 67 civilians.

Roxas said government forces have limited the areas occupied by the MNLF rebels.

"Nasukol na natin ang mga mananakop," Roxas said. "Limitadong-limitado na yung kanilang area of operation."