Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III said that there is evidence of Nur Misuari’s involvement in the siege of Zamboanga City.
Misuari, founding chairman of the rebel group Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), last week denied involvement in the attacks through Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar.
Aquino, however, said, “There is solidifying evidence that Chairman Misuari was involved here.”
He did not elaborate on what evidence was collected by authorities.
Misuari had earlier asked the Organization of Islamic Conference to postpone his meeting with the Philippine government in Indonesia for the tripartite review of the 1996 pact between the MNLF and the Philippines.
“He should have been (one of the people) talking in Indonesia and he suddenly changes his track. Of course we have a necessary reaction there,” Aquino said.
Aquino also warned rebels still fighting in Zamboanga to stop violence lest they face the might of the military.
“It is not yet too late. To the remaining enemy forces: life is valuable for me. Maybe you also want to see if your lives are valuable to you, too,” he said.
“Those people who will place all citizens in danger will really be met with (the might of) the state,” he added.
Aquino said the government will not seek to halt talks with MNLF despite the possible involvement of Misuari.
He said there are factions of the MNLF that are seeking to complete the peace process, and he will meet with and is encouraging others willing to talk peacefully.
Aquino committed Php6.1 billion to the rehabilitation of Zamboanga City, Php3.89 billion of which will help the city stabilize after the crisis.
He said the initial amount and its excess will assure the people that “we have the necessary funds on hand already to take care of that (recovery).”
The president, who has been in Zamboanga since September 13, vowed not to leave the city until the crisis is resolved.
(with reports from mb.com.ph, abs-cbnnews.com, gmanetwork.com/news, and philstar.com)