TEMPO.CO, Manila - Philippine President Benigno Aquino III has called on rebels holding residents hostage in the nation’s southern coastal area to surrender. The president’s call aimed at preventing further bloodshed as the Philippine military launched a major offensive to end the 11-day standoff.
Over 200 rebels of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) stormed residents on the coastal outskirts of Zamboanga city on Monday, September 9, 2013 and held around 200 residents hostage.
The Philippine government retaliated to the attack by launching a ground, sea, and air offensive involving 4,500 personnel from the police and armed forces. “Some 40 rebels died during the offensive,” a local official said.
Military spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala told Al Jazeera on Friday, September 20, 2013 that the government’s forces were moving forward and the rebels continued to lose ground. “Three rebels died in morning clashes while three soldiers were injured,” he said.
President Aquino III told reporters at Zamboanga’s airport that he rebels still had the option to surrender.
“Life is precious to me,” Aquino said as he asked the rebels to put down their weapons. “You may want to consider your life precious as well,” he added.
“It is not too late to end this, so we can put a stop to the deaths and injuries. That is in your hands,” he said.
AL JAZEERA | CHOIRUL