(CMO-PIO) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)
City Caretaker and OIC City Mayor Atty. Wendell Sotto today sought to allay fears about the presence of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members in Cabatangan, assuring that authorities are in control of the situation.
In a press briefing in City Hall late Thursday afternoon, Sotto nonetheless directed military and police authorities to strengthen monitoring activities and to intensify security measures by putting up checkpoints in the area and in all entry and exit points to ensure the safety and security. He likewise ordered the dispersal of the group especially those members who are from other cities and provinces.
Zamboanga City Police Office Information Officer PLTCol. Paul Andrew Cortez assured that the presence of the MNLF members in the area poses no threat to the city’s security. He said police and military personnel have been deployed to the area to monitor the situation 24/7.
For her part, Mayor Dalipe’s spokesperson Liza Jocson urged the public to remain calm but vigilant and responsible in sharing information to avoid misinformation and panic.
The ZCPO has confirmed the convergence of more or less 200 MNLF members at a private residence in Cabatangan in line with the government’s peace-building efforts. The police assured that the MNLF members, who come from various regions across Mindanao, are unarmed.
Meanwhile, in an interview with the media, the alleged leader of the group said the MNLF members are awaiting national government’s approval for their training in Siasi, Sulu and their eventual reintegration into the AFP. (CMO-PIO) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)
