Moro National Liberation Front (MNFL) commander Ustadz Habier Malik, who lead the attacks on Zamboanga City last Sept. 9, was reportedly injured during clashes with Philippine government forces.
Acting public affairs officer Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc said freed hostages relayed information that Malik, a top commander of the rebel group, sustained a bullet wound to his hand.
“We want to validate this. He was reportedly hit on the hand but he is continuously fighting. He reportedly refused to surrender,” he said in a press conference.
Cabunoc said the government has been receiving reports on Malik’s condition, none of which have been verified.
Malik’s death was spread throughout the internet in hoax images, and one television network aired the news.
“There were also text messages claiming that Malik has died. But we cannot categorically say that he is dead unless there is proof,” Cabunoc said.
Malik and other MNLF forces have so far refused to surrender.
Cabunoc has expressed hope that Malik will change his stance.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, military spokesperson for the operations in Zamboanga, said 15 rebels were killed in advances Friday morning.
He said no one from the 23rd and 33rd Marine Companies were killed in the engagement.
So far, 166 rebels have been killed and 271 captured following the clearing operations.
Government losses have amounted to 23 fatalities and 184 wounded.
12 civilians have also been killed in the ongoing conflict, along with 70 injured.
The government hopes to bring Nur Misuari, MNLF founding chairman and suspected instigator of the assault, to justice.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the government is preparing rebellion and international law violation charges to be filed against Misuari,
Sec. de Lima said rebels who surrender will be sent straight to inquest, while many others face criminal charges already filed by batches.
“Those who are not in Zamboanga anymore, or those who are still there will be charged, including Misuari and other commanders,” she said.
MNLF rebels lead by Malik, under the apparent instruction of Misuari, attacked Zamboanga City in response to the Bangasomoro Framework Agreement between the Philippine government and break-away group Moro Islamic Liberation Front, to which they felt left out.
(with reports from The Philippine Inquirer and The Philippine Star)