Possible body of MNLF commander Malik found in Zambo

MANILA, Philippines - An identification card belonging to Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Commander Habier Malik was found in one of the bodies of slain rebels found by troops during clearing operations in Zamboanga City, a military official announced Sunday.

Maj. Angelo Guzman, deputy chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs office, also said that the slain MNLF rebel also has similarities with Nur Misuari's most loyal rebel commander.

Guzman, however, said that the government has yet to confirm if the body indeed belonged to the MNLF commander.

Malik is one of the commanders who led the MNLF Misuari-faction's siege in Zamboanga City last September 9. The government declared on Saturday that the crisis in the city is over.

"ID belonging to Malik found in one killed Nur fighter in Zamboanga is not a guarantee that he is Malik, though they have similarities," Guzman said in a post on his Twitter account.

AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said that Malik is just one of the five commanders of the MNLF forces that had briefly taken over parts of the city.

"We have to consider how many forces, there are five commanders, and Malik is just one of them," Zagala said.

Zagala, meanwhile, said that military intelligence information indicates that Misuari is in Sulu province and that they are constantly monitoring the movements of the MNLF founding chairman.

The government is already preparing charges of murder and violation of international humanitarian law against Misuari and his commanders involved in the siege.