Security tightened as gathering of alleged MNLF group stirs tension in Zamboanga

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Nur Misuari's group distances itself from the Zamboanga gathering, calling Eddie Alimuddin and his followers 'not bona fide members' of the MNLF

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines – Authorities tightened security in Zamboanga City following a gathering of nearly 100 alleged members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) from Sulu and other parts of southwestern Mindanao, raising public concerns over their presence.

City Administrator Wendel Sotto said officials counted 92 men led by Shariff Edjal “Eddie” Alimuddin, who claimed to be the MNLF’s governor general. The contingent arrived on Thursday and was subsequently escorted out of the city by early Friday after talks, he said.

Alimuddin, claiming to represent MNLF founder Nur Misuari, said the group gathered in Cabatangan to voice grievances over the Mindanao peace process.

Misuari’s group distanced itself from the gathering at Alimuddin’s home. In a statement, the group described Alimuddin and his followers as “not bonafide members” and “not recognized” by Misuari.

“We dissociate from this individual and those who claim to represent the MNLF but operate outside its mandates and chain of command,” the statement read.

Authorities responded with heightened security measures, setting up more checkpoints across the city. Sotto, who is serving as acting mayor in the absence of Mayor John Dalipe, directed the police and Joint Task Force Zamboanga to monitor entry points, including wharves, to prevent similar incidents.

In a statement on Friday afternoon, Dalipe assured, “There will be no Zamboanga siege under my watch.”

Lieutenant Colonel Paul Andrew Cortes, spokesperson for the Zamboanga police, said security forces kept watch while Alimuddin’s group remained in the city.

“They were unarmed,” he said, adding that law enforcement closely monitored the situation.

Officials registered and profiled 92 men before sending them off outside the city on Friday morning, Sotto said. However, Alimuddin earlier told reporters the group numbered 177.

“Rest assured our security forces and the LGU are on top of the situation and ready to dispel any untoward incidents similar to what happened during the Zamboanga siege in 2013,” Sotto said.

The military said some of the men expected to join a group set for integration training in Siasi, Sulu.

Zamboanga City has a history of violent confrontations involving the MNLF. The Cabatangan siege in November 2001 saw MNLF fighters take civilians hostage to demand safe passage out of the city. A negotiated settlement averted prolonged fighting.

In September 2013, hundreds of MNLF fighters stormed Zamboanga in an attempt to raise their flag at city hall, pushing for an independent Bangsamoro state. The ensuing standoff escalated into a military confrontation lasting nearly three weeks, causing heavy casualties, extensive destruction, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents. Entire communities were left in ruins in one of the country’s most intense urban battles in recent history.

Alimuddin said the group was concerned about changes to the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which he claimed deviated from the original peace agreement.

The group also called for the integration of more former MNLF rebels into the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Alimuddin said he had written to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. but did not receive a response. – Rappler.com