Zambo gov't to MNLF: Peace rally not allowed

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The city government will reject any permit for the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to conduct a peace rally in the city, maintaining that the group is accountable for the 2013 bloody siege.  

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar also alerted the police, military and the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) to be on alert due to the gathering of hundreds of MNLF members in Sulu.

Salazar said there were reports about MNLF members planning to conduct a peace rally in this city.

“I’m giving a categorical no to any permit to rally in this city and you (MNLF) must not disturb Zamboanga City anymore,” Salazar said during a visit to the local police office here Wednesday.

“If you want to come up with your rally, do it in your area. Zamboanga will not welcome a rally by MNLF, not at this time because you still have to be accountable with the killings and devastations we are suffering from,” Salazar added.

Salazar said the city is still healing from the trauma after 400 followers of MNLF chair Nur Misuari tried to build their own independent state in Zamboanga City, forcing 120,000 people to leave their homes.

The city official said thousands of families have yet to return to their homes through the government's relief and rehabilitation efforts.