FILE PHOTO: Government Forces on guard at a coastal area in Zamboanga City (REUTERS/Erik Castro)
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Ninety-six (96) members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have returned to their respective hometowns Monday, May 28, after their release from detention of nearly five years for their participation in the 2013 Zamboanga siege.
From Edwin Andrews Airbase, 45 of them were sent to Basilan; 34 to Jolo, Sulu; 3 to Zamboanga-Sibugay and 17 stayed in Zamboanga City where they proceeded to the Regional Office of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR.)
City administrator Marie Angelique Go said they have no details of the Court’s decision yet about the conditions of their release.
“We were not given copies of the legal requisites we were only informed to coordinate the passing through and as to the number we have the same report as mentioned earlier but as to the reason why perhaps when we get the documents we can inform the public,” explained Go.
Their return prompted the local government and police authorities to heighten security level to ensure that the city remains protected.
“That is a court order we just need to follow pero (but) nevertheless they will be monitored,” said PSinsp. Shellamie Chang, ZCPO spokesperson.
The 96 MNLF members were among the 200 charged with rebellion and crimes against humanity in relation to the 2013 siege.
Mayor Maria Isabel Climaco has yet to comment on the matter. — Dante Amento | UNTV News & Rescue
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