Misuari, Malik should be made answerable

Misuari, Malik should be made answerable

for September 2013 siege –says City Mayor
By R.G. Antonet A. Go

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) – Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar remains firm in her call for justice for the victims of the 20-day siege in September 2013 that resulted to the death of over a dozen civilians in this city.

The siege started on September 9, 2013 when hundreds of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members loyal to MNLF founding-chair Nur Misuari infiltrated this city.
Salazar’s statement came after reports that Misuari and his trusted lieutenant Habier Malik have recently surfaced in a gathering somewhere in the province of Sulu.
Also, Salazar issued the statement that this city is set to commemorate the first anniversary of the infamous September 2013 standoff.
“I will not bog down. What I said during the siege is still the same sentiments (a year later) and it’s a very strong desire that justice should be done for the killing of two-year old Ethan Ando, and all the victims of the Zamboanga siege. Kailangan may managot at kailangan ng lungsod ng Zamboanga ang hustisya at kung kailangan hulihin ang mga dapat managot, dapat hulihin,” Salazar said.
Ando, who were among the over a dozen of civilians killed, died while under medical treatment.
Rebellion charges and violation of Republic Act 9851 otherwise known as the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity have been filed against Misuari and Malik.
Salazar is the main complainant on the charges filed against Misuari and Malik.
She also reiterated that her responsibility as local chief executive is to ensure the welfare and safety of the residents of this city.
She bewailed that majority of the Zamboangueños, especially the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in various evacuation centers and transitional sites have suffered so much from the siege that they considered it their worst nightmare.

“That is why we are going to the different evacuation centers and temporary shelters to let the IDPs know that they are not alone. Hindi lang sila ang nahihirapan. Ang mayor at lahat kami ay nahihirapan din…but we are not just sitting down and waiting for events to transpire. We are doing something and everything for them,” she said. (PNA)  LAM/TPGJR/R.G. ANTONET A. GO/UTB(090614)