Zamboanga City crisis

Zamboanga City Crisis
Part of the South Philippines insurgency

DateSeptember 9–28, 2013
(2 weeks and 6 days)
LocationZamboanga City, Philippines
Status

Philippine Government victory[1]

  • The Bangsamoro Republik ceases to exist, as it doesn't have de facto control on any territory.
  • All hostages recovered.
  • Dissolution of Bangsamoro Republik
  • Some "20 to 30" MNLF rebels, including Commander Malik, still at-large.
Territorial
changes		 MNLF relinquishes sovereignty over Zamboanga City to the Republic of the Philippines
Belligerents
 Bangsamoro Republik  Republic of the Philippines
Commanders and leaders
  • Nur Misuari
  • Ustadz Habier Malik
  • Asamin Hussin[2]
  • Salip Idjal
  • Dasta Ismael†[3]
  • Misba Balaji
  • Jul Lipae[4]
Units involved
  • Task Force Zamboanga:
  • - 32nd Infantry Battalion
  • – 44th Infantry Battalion
Strength
  • 500 (Government claim)[7]
Casualties and losses
  • Killed: 183[7]
  • Captured: 292[7]
  • Civilians Killed: 12[10]
  • Civilians Wounded: 70[10]

Note:

  1. The conflict had paralyzed the economic activity of Zamboanga City. During the course of the conflict, the MNLF had been taking civilians as hostages. The group demanded the hoisting of the Bangsamoro flag at the Zamboanga city hall in exchange for the hostages.[11]
Zamboanga City
Map of the Philippines showing the location of Zamboanga City, the site of the conflict.

The Zamboanga City crisis or Battle of Zamboanga was an armed conflict in Zamboanga City, Philippines between the forces of the Republic of the Philippines and a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front, generally known by other factions as the Rogue MNLF Elements (RME) under the Sulu State Revolutionary Command (SSRC) led by Ustadz Habier Malik and Khaid Ajibon, whose group continues to recognize Nur Misuari as MNLF Chairman.[5][6] The crisis erupted on September 9, 2013 when this MNLF faction attempted to raise the flag of the self-proclaimed Bangsamoro Republik at Zamboanga City Hall,[12] which had earlier declared its independence on August 12, 2013 in Talipao, Sulu.[13][14] This armed incursion, which has been variously described a "crisis",[15] a "standoff",[16] a "siege",[17] and a "humanitarian crisis",[18] was met by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), which sought to free the hostages and expel the MNLF from the city. The standoff degenerated into urban warfare, and had brought parts of the city under a standstill for days.[19]

The clashes caused the displacement of more than 100,000 people, the occupation of several barangays (villages) by the MNLF, the deaths of several civilians, the closure of the Zamboanga International Airport (which has since been reopened), and the slowdown of economic activity in the city.

On September 28, the government declared the end of military operations in Zamboanga City. Commander Malik, reportedly the leader of the MNLF forces, remains at large, and several skirmishes are still being regularly reported.

Prelude

Nur Misuari, chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front, and governor of ARMM from 1996 to 2002.

Nur Misuari, the leader of the rebel group Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) signed a peace treaty in 1996 that allowed the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Misuari became its first governor.[20] Recently, however, Misuari "has been angered by a planned peace deal with the MILF, believing it would sideline the MNLF and the 1996 peace deal".[20] Misuari proclaimed the independence of the Bangsamoro Republik on August 12, 2013 at Talipao, Sulu,[20][21][22] although it was largely ignored by the government. Misuari "disappeared from public view" before the fighting broke out in Zamboanga.[20]

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) received intelligence reports that the MNLF would launch mass operations in Zamboanga City, three days before the incident. AFP spokesman Col. Ramon Zagala said that according to intelligence reports the MNLF troops were deployed to the coastal barangays (villages) of Rio Hondo, Sta. Barbara, Mariqui and Sta. Catalina. According to initial reports, the MNLF group who entered the barangays were unarmed and it was the night before the incident that the MNLF were armed in Rio Hondo. Zagala claimed that the MNLF group involved in the incident is a breakaway faction of the militant group.[23]

In an interview, an MNLF official claimed that the fighters actions was a “"pre-emptive response" to a supposed "large" troop movement” of the Army, stating that the group feared that military movement was the prelude to the arrest a high-profile leader of MNLF in the area, such as Nur Misuari.[24]

A commander named Ustadz Habier Malik,[25] who "is a key senior aide of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari," is reportedly leading the siege on Zamboanga City.[2]

Timeline

September 8

The initial confrontation occurred around 11:00 p.m. on the evening of Sunday, September 8, 2013.[26] A navy patrol boat intercepted a large motorboat and eight other smaller vessels carrying armed men near the coastal barangay of Rio Hondo.[27] This led to an exchange of fire resulting in several casualties including the death of one of the navy personnel and two civilians.[28]

September 9

On September 9, 2013, at around 4:30 a.m., the MNLF entered the city and killed four people,[29] contrary to the first report of having six people killed.[30] Four barangays were occupied by the MNLF: Rio Hondo, Sta. Barbara, Sta. Catalina, and parts of Talon-Talon. The group held 20 civilians hostages in Barangay Sta. Catalina, and around noontime more than 200 civilians were reported as being held hostage by the MNLF.[31] The civilian hostages[32] were being used as human shields by the MNLF.[33]

The city government of Zamboanga declared a "no classes and no work" following the attacks at Barangay Sta. Catalina.[29][30] A curfew was later imposed throughout the city that day, virtually shutting down the city.[34] Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle "Beng" Climaco-Salazar later visited the people who fled to different evacuation centers that morning.[34]

Zamboanga International Airport was shut down as all flights operating to and from the city were cancelled.[20][29][35]

September 10

The Zamboanga City Hall where the MNLF intended to hoist the Bangsamoro Republik flag.

On the second day, the Philippine government deployed a larger force in the city. A naval blockade was set, and more troops and units were deployed, including four units of elite troops from the Naval Special Operations Group.[36] At dawn, city police prevented 30 members of the MNLF from joining the main force.[37]

By morning, the MNLF fired rocket-propelled grenades and mortars at military positions. The clash between MNLF and the government forces spread throughout the barangay as residents fled their homes while some people could not leave the area due to fear of being caught in crossfire.[38]

During the afternoon, a fire erupted in Barangay Santa Barbara that razed five houses as firefights between the MNLF and the Armed Forces of the Philippines ensued. Four firetrucks responded, but were delayed, as they needed to have a clearance from the military before entering the area due to the presence of MNLF snipers.[39][40]

September 11

Zamboanga City Mayor Climaco finally contacted Nur Misuari through telephone on Thursday. Mayor Climaco asked Misuari to call off the attack but Misuari claimed that he has no hand at the situation and distanced himself from Commander Habier Malik, and his followers action. This contradicts to what MNLF spokesman, Emmanuel Fontanilla, said earlier. The spokesman said that Misuari was leading the MNLF militants in Zamboanga City.[41]

September 12

The Philippine government issued an ultimatum to the MNLF militants in Zamboanga saying that the government will not hesitate to use force to resolve the situation in Zamboanga City. “While the government is exhausting all avenues for a peaceful resolution of the situation, let it be clear to those defying us that they should not entertain the illusion that the state will hesitate to use its forces to protect our people,” Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement.[41]

September 13

Vice President of the Philippines Jejomar Binay had spoken by telephone to Nur Misuari, and they agreed on a ceasefire.[42] Nur Misauri’s spokesperson Rev. Absalom Cerveza said that the current situation in Zamboanga city is a war of independence and denied that the MNLF came to Zamboanga for a peace caravan. "If you win in the war, you will gain your independence. So it happened. MNLF followed this track to gain its independence," he said. The spokesman also denied earlier reports that Misuari disowned Commander Habier Malik.[43]

September 15

Plans for a ceasefire fail.[44] MNLF snipers were captured.[45]

September 16

The Army started to pound MNLF positions in Barangay Sta. Barbara with mortars.[46] A civilian vehicle was accidentally hit by a mortar round as the battle raged, although no one was hurt.[47] Air strikes with 520MG McDonnell Douglas MD 500 Defender attack helicopters and SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 counter-insurgency planes started, firing their guns against alleged MNLF positions in the city.[48] A total of three rocket rounds from a 520MG of the Air Force struck unspecified enemy stronghold between 1 to 1:30 pm.[49] 33 hostages were released.[50]

September 17

Zamboanga City police chief Jose Chiquito Malayo who tried to negotiate with the rebels to release more hostages was reportedly abducted and held hostage by the rebels. Later in the day, he was freed, bringing 23 rebels who had surrendered.[51]

September 18

The Army said that government forces killed 120 rebels and now controlled 80 percent of the areas that had been occupied by the rebels.[25][52] According to the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development, due to the fighting, the number of displaced residents has risen to 110,000, As of 18 September 2013, in 35 evacuation centers, such as the Baliwasan Grandstand.[53] The military took control of KGK Building, which was the headquarters of the MNLF-controlled areas.[25] However, the rebel commander had fled before the Army could capture him.[25]

September 19

President Benigno Aquino III meeting with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police on September 21, 2013.

The Zamboanga City international airport reopened.[54] The International Committee of the Red Cross has responded to the humanitarian needs of the residents.[54] Felipe Rojas, Philippine National Police’s directorate for operations Chief Superintendent, said that the gunmen are being “forced to surrender due to hunger.”[54] Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said that most of the gunmen, who surrendered, were unknown and were mostly from “Akbar or Albarka towns in Basilan”.[54]

September 24

An MNLF commander and 7 fighters surrendered.[55]

September 25

The United Nations declared the situation a humanitarian crisis. In 17 days, the fighting had already displaced 109,000 people in Zamboanga City and 19,000 in Basilan, and destroyed more than 10,000 homes.[56]

September 26

Government forces gained control over Sumatra Island, which is part of Barangay Talon-Talon and was a strategic landing point used by MNLF fighters.[57] They have also seized 5 water vessels, one motor launch and four jungkungs (motorboat). The motor launch has a capacity of more than 100 people, while each jungkung can carry 30 people. Ammunition, food, MNLF uniforms and vital documents were also recovered from the island.[58][59]

September 27

The Reverend Absalom Cerveza, MNLF spokesman, said that Habier Malik texted him that he will not surrender. Cerveza aked that Malik and his closest followers are the "hardcore" fighters of the MNLF and are willing to put their life on the line. Cerveza described that the situation in Zamboanga "might be the darkest episode in the history of the MNLF,” Malik also asked prayers for the MNLF. According to the spokesman, Nur Misuari asked Malik to stand down, however Cerveza said he was not able to communicate with Malik or any other commanders in the battlefield. It is also reported that some arrested MNLF fighters admitted that they were promised ₱10,000 to join a rally in Zamboanga city. 20 MNLF fighters, including Malik remained in Zamboanga city, according to the military.[60]

September 28

Malacañang said that the nearly three-week crisis in Zamboanga City was now over. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte confirmed the statement of National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin that the conflict in Zamboanga was over. "Certainly, the Defense Secretary made that announcement and we've always maintained in the days that we were dealing with the situation that it will be the officials on the ground who will be making the announcement based on their assessment. Our task from Day 1 is to ensure the safety of the hostages that were taken...as well as to get civilians out of harm's way and that has already been accomplished."[1] Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin announced: "So far, the security crisis is over and now we go to post-conflict phase."[61]

Post-crisis skirmishes

As of September 29, 2013, even after the declaration of the end of the crisis, many residents of the City of Zamboanga still hear gunshots from time to time. The Local Government and the Military stated that these are just few skirmishes against remnants of the Rogue MNLF Elements. As they are now on the run and the Military is now pursuing them to bring them to justice.[62]

Related attacks

Lamitan, Basilan

Combined forces of the Abu Sayyaf, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Moro National Liberation Front reportedly attacked the city of Lamitan in Basilan on September 12, 2013.[63] The same set of militants conducted another attack on September 13, 2013. Philippine security forces were able to repel the attack and managed the situation.[64][65][66]

Davao City

The mall was subjected to one of the two terrorist bombings that occurred in September 17, 2013,[67] with their both abandoning shopping malls attacked at Gaisano Mall of Davao firstly, and lastly would be SM City Davao during their both blast sites. It happened during the time of armed crisis in Zamboanga City, which involved elements of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF); however, the MNLF Davao Regional Command denied that they were behind the bombings.

Human rights violations

There were accusation of human rights violations from both sides. The Philippine government claimed that the Moro National Liberation Front were using civilian hostages as human shields. MNLF commanders claimed that they were using the civilians as guides, as they are not familiar of the area.[68] It is reported that MNLF members burned down houses and that firefighters who tried to extinguish the fires were fired at.[69] The MNLF, however claimed that the Philippine security forces were behind in burning the houses in a bid to drive away MNLF members who may be staying in the area.[70]

The American-based Human Rights Watch, in a released media bulletin, claimed that both the MNLF and Government forces committed human rights abuses. The bulletin also stated of an alleged torturing of detained suspected MNLF members by the Philippine National Police and Philippine Armed Forces. According to the rights group, security forces indiscriminately fired at the MNLF militants holding civilian hostages as human shields. It also claimed that the MNLF selectively took Christian civilians as hostages.[71]

Alleged link to the PDAF scam

There are allegations that the Moro National Liberation Front were funded by people involved in the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam to divert the public's attention from the scam. Magdalo party-list representative Gary Alejano claimed that during the previous administration, if there is a big issue plaguing the government, a diversion will be made. Alejano also claimed that people involved in the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam may have funded the rebel group to destabilize the government. Zamboanga Representative Celso Lobregat and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman supported calls for an investigation regarding the matter. Lobregat also called for the Magdalo party-list to disclose everything about the matter.[72] Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago accused Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, one of the people linked to the scam, in funding the MNLF.

Reactions

Local

Organizations

Political groups

International

Organizations

Governments

Peace process

On September 20, 2013, at the Zamboanga International Airport, President Aquino said that he was still willing to discuss the peace deal with the MNLF.[20]

References

  1. 1 2 Reuters (September 28, 2013). "Zamboanga crisis is over, Palace: Zamboanga crisis is over". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved September 28, 2013.
  2. 1 2 Wenceslao, Bong O. (September 19, 2013). "Ravages of war". Sun Star Cebu. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  3. ↑ Placido, Dharel (September 24, 2013). "MNLF commander, 7 Misuari followers nabbed in Zambo". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  4. ↑ "Day 18: Phl flag itinaas sa pinagkutaan ng MNLF". Bombo Radyo Philippines. September 26, 2013. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  5. 1 2 "Nur Misuari waning influence?". [Agora Business Intelligence]. September 19, 2012. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
  6. 1 2 News reports usually refer to this group as the "MNLF-Misuari Faction," which is but an inaccurate use of term or an erroneous branding because it can be mistaken as "Pro-Misuari MNLF Faction," that observes The One MNLF Doctrine. It includes the Mindanao Independence Movement (MIM) under John Petalcorin and the Special Forces of the Bangsamoro Armed Forces (BAF-SF) composed of Mindanawons (Christians, Muslims and Lumads sharing Mindanao and Palawan as territories) under the Unified Command of General Rodrigo Fabillon, advocating independence through peaceful and legal means. Hence, it is not proper to tag the rogue faction of MNLF in Zamboanga siege as MNLF-Misuari Faction so to respect those Pro-Misuari groups that abhor violence and advocate peaceful and legal means to achieve their goals
  7. 1 2 3 "End to Zamboanga threat, but concern for Philippines displaced". Radioaustralia.net.au (September 29, 2013). Retrieved on November 5, 2013.
  8. ↑ Roel Pareño (September 28, 2013). "Zamboanga standoff over". Philippine Star. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
  9. 1 2 Gerg Cahiles (September 30, 2013). "Troops in high morale as Zamboanga siege ends". Solar News. Retrieved October 6, 2013.
  10. 1 2 3 15 rebels killed in dawn raid. Philstar.com (September 28, 2013). Retrieved on November 5, 2013.
  11. ↑ Lopez, Alexander D. (September 11, 2013). "UN, OIC intervention sought to end Zamboanga crisis". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  12. ↑ Armstrong, Paul and Schwarz, Tim (September 9, 2013). "Muslim rebels hold 20 hostages in Zamboanga City, Philippines". CNN. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  13. ↑ Dacanay, Barbara Mae (August 16, 2013). "Misuari declares independence of Mindanao, southern Philippines". Gulf News. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  14. ↑ "News Analysis: Declaration of independence of another Muslim group threatens peace process in S. Philippines". China Daily. September 18, 2013. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  15. ↑ "Palace expects financier in Zamboanga City crisis to be unmasked". GMA News. September 21, 2013. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  16. ↑ Arguillas, Carolyn O. (September 26, 2013). "Zamboanga City standoff: more deaths, more ‘bakwits’". Minda News. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  17. ↑ "3 more MNLF rebels killed in S. Philippines' Zambo City conflict". Global Times. September 23, 2013. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  18. ↑ "Humanitarian crisis in southern Philippines as violence uproots tens of thousands – UN". United Nations. September 25, 2013. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  19. ↑ Reyes, Jewel (September 9, 2013). "MNLF wants flag hoisted in Zamboanga city hall". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
  20. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Calica, Aurea (September 20, 2013) [September 19, 2013]. "Noy to MNLF: War or peace?". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  21. ↑ Pareño, Roel (August 15, 2013). "Nur declares independence of 'Bangsamoro Republik'". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  22. ↑ "MNLF confirms 'declaration of independence', girds itself for possible fighting". GMA News. August 16, 2013. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  23. ↑ Bigornia, Doris. "AFP knew about MNLF mass action 3 days ago". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  24. ↑ Cayabyab, Marc Jayson (September 9, 2013). "Zambo 'attack' a response to Misuari arrest info — MNLF official". GMA News. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  25. 1 2 3 4 "MNLF rebel stronghold in Zambo falls, but Malik vanishes". GMA News. September 18, 2013. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  26. ↑ "Misuari-MNLF faction claims they were harassed by gov't troops". Yahoo! Philippines News. ANC. September 9, 2013. Retrieved September 22, 2013.
  27. ↑ Pareño, Roel; Carcamo, Dennis; Bacani, Louis (September 9, 2013). "Zamboanga City shut down as MNLF men attack its villages". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 22, 2013.
  28. ↑ Mangosing, Frances; Alipala, Julie (September 9, 2013). "At least 3 killed in Zamboanga City attack". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 22, 2013.
  29. 1 2 3 Placido, Dharel (September 9, 2013). "4 dead, 14 hurt in Zamboanga City siege". ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
  30. 1 2 "MNLF attacks Zambo City, using 20 hostages as 'human shields;' six killed". GMA News. September 9, 2013. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  31. ↑ Mangosing, Frances (September 9, 2013). "Over 200 Zambo folk held hostage by MNLF". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
  32. ↑ "Philippines: Mistreatment, Hostage-Taking in Zamboanga". Human Rights Watch. September 19, 2013. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  33. ↑ "Philippine rebels use ‘human shields’ in stand-off with troops". Gulf News. September 9, 2013. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
  34. 1 2 "Zamboanga mayor visits evacuees; churches open doors to evacuees". GMA News. September 9, 2013. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  35. ↑ "PAL, Cebu Pacific cancel Zamboanga flights". Rappler. September 9, 2013. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  36. ↑ Romero, Alexis (September 10, 2013). "'Overwhelming' force deployed in Zamboanga City". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
  37. ↑ "Police block 30 MNLF members from joining comrades in Sta. Catalina". GMA News. September 10, 2013. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
  38. ↑ "Timeline: Crisis in Zamboanga City". GMA News. September 10, 2013. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
  39. ↑ "Fire breaks out in Santa Barbara, Zamboanga". ABS-CBN News. September 10, 2013. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
  40. ↑ Elona, Jamie (September 10, 2013). "Fire hits homes in Zamboanga village". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
  41. 1 2 "Misuari disowns acts of followers in Zamboanga City | Inquirer News". Philippine Daily Inquirer. September 13, 2013. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  42. ↑ de Castro, Erik (September 14, 2013). "New Philippines fighting derails ceasefire; top leaders meet in affected city". Reuters. Retrieved September 14, 2013.
  43. ↑ Diola, Camille (September 13, 2013). "Nur's MNLF pursuing 'war for independence'". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  44. ↑ Aquino, Norman P.; Guinto, Joel (September 15, 2013). "Ceasefire fails in Philippines". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved September 14, 2013.
  45. ↑ "Soldiers capture MNLF sniper in Zambo City". GMA News. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  46. ↑ "Troops pound MNLF with mortar fire in Zambo". GMA News. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  47. ↑ Alipala, Julie S. (September 16, 2013). "Car hit by mortar as Zamboanga fighting enters 8th day; no one hurt | Inquirer News". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  48. ↑ "Air strike vs MNLF-Misuari faction, inilunsad". DZMM (in Filipino). ABS-CBN News. September 16, 2013. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  49. ↑ "PAF stages air strike on MNLF positions in Zamboanga City | News | GMA News Online". GMA News. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  50. ↑ Falcatan, Richard (September 16, 2013). "LIST: Hostages released in Zamboanga City". Rappler. Retrieved September 16, 2013.
  51. ↑ "Police chief abducted by Muslim rebels in Philippines is freed". CNN. September 18, 2013. Retrieved September 18, 2013.
  52. ↑ "Rebels lose ground in southern Philippines". Al Jazeera. September 18, 2013. Retrieved September 18, 2013.
  53. ↑ Fernandez, Amanda (September 18, 2013). "Number of Zamboanga City evacuees climbs to 110,000 – DSWD". GMA News. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  54. 1 2 3 4 Alipala, Julie (September 19, 2013). "Clashes erupt as Zamboanga City airport reopens, some areas back to normal". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  55. ↑ De Jesus, Julliane Love (September 24, 2013). "MNLF commander, 7 members arrested in Zamboanga City". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 24, 2013.
  56. ↑ "DAY 17 | UN declares Zamboanga situation a 'humanitarian crisis'". Interaksyon. September 25, 2013. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  57. ↑ Troops capture dozens more MNLF rebels in Zamboanga City. Sun.Star (September 26, 2013). Retrieved on November 5, 2013.
  58. ↑ Rebels stocked ammo, food in houses long ago | Manila Bulletin | Latest Breaking News | News Philippines. Mb.com.ph (September 10, 2013). Retrieved on November 5, 2013.
  59. ↑ Sumatra Island occupied by MNLF falls to government forces. Sun.Star (September 26, 2013). Retrieved on November 5, 2013.
  60. ↑ Malik unlikely to surrender – MNLF spokesman | News | GMA News Online. Gmanetwork.com (September 27, 2013). Retrieved on November 5, 2013.
  61. ↑ Guinto, Joel. (September 28, 2013) Philippines’ Deadliest Defense Crisis in South Under Aquino Ends. Bloomberg. Retrieved on November 5, 2013.
  62. ↑ Scattered fighting erupts in Zamboanga City | Inquirer News. Newsinfo.inquirer.net (September 29, 2013). Retrieved on November 5, 2013.
  63. ↑ "Moro rebels attack Basilan". The Star. September 12, 2013. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  64. ↑ "Military repulses ASG, BIFF attack in Basilan, 6 troops wounded". Zambo Times. September 13, 2013. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  65. ↑ "Basilan attacked anew". Philippine Daily Inquirer. September 13, 2013. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  66. ↑ Laude, Jaime (September 13, 2013). "Airstrikes launched as conflict spreads to Basilan". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  67. ↑ http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/09/17/blasts-hit-davao-city-malls-303669
  68. ↑ Alipala, Julie S. (September 11, 2013). "Misuari forces dig in, use human shields". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  69. ↑ Pareño, Roel (September 13, 2013). "MNLF rebels torch more houses in Zamboanga". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  70. ↑ "Few burning questions of the Zambo siege". Moro National Liberation Front. September 22, 2013. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  71. ↑ "Gov't, MNLF behind human rights abuses – HRW". Rappler. September 19, 2013. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  72. ↑ Cruz, RG (September 24, 2013). "Probe urged on financing of Zambo siege". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  73. ↑ Cayabyab, Marc Jayson (September 9, 2013). "300 held hostage in Zambo City as MNLF fighters lock govt in standoff". GMA News. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  74. ↑ Patria, Kim Arveen. "Archbishop Cruz: Keep your eyes on the 'pork'". Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom. Yahoo! News Philippines. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
  75. ↑ "Denounce Aquino and the AFP for the armed siege against the MNLF in Zamboanga City". Philippine Revolution Web Central. September 15, 2013. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  76. ↑ "OIC Secretary General expresses concern about the violent incidents in Southern Philippines". Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. September 14, 2013. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  77. ↑ "Local EU Statement on the recent violence and hostage situation in Zamboanga". Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. September 13, 2013. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  78. ↑ "Indonesia To Help Peace in South Philippines". The President Post. September 16, 2013. Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  79. ↑ "Malaysia goes on security alert after Zambo attacks". ABS-CBN News. September 9, 2013. Retrieved September 26, 2013.

Coordinates: 6°54′00″N 122°04′00″E / 6.9000°N 122.0667°E / 6.9000; 122.0667

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