philippines update sept 15

Will try to add some comments tomorrow especially about what the mayor has to say. 

Carey Masci

 Until then here's another update:

Conflicting reports, a councilman of Zamboanga has reported that Malik the leader of the MNLF uprising, the man who was being interviewed and made the statement they want their flag over the city hall, has been killed.  Another report said someone looking like him was killed. 

*6 barangays are in the war zone.

Some stores are reopening.

Most are still in lockdown with no food. 

Some hostages escaped others were freed by the army.

Air strikes are ongoing. 

AFP (Arm Forces of the Phil): Killed in action - 3, wounded in action - 46
PNP (Phil National Police) - Killed in action - 3, wounded in action - 10
Civilian - Killed in action - 4, wounded in action - 22
No. of hostages released or processed: 34
No. of arrested MNLF: 56
No. of MNLF killed: 26

Mayor Beng Climaco: THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM OF RELIGION BECAUSE WE DEARLY LOVE OUR MUSLIMS, CHRISTIANS AND THE LUMADS IN THE CITY. Our heart bleeds for the Army integree who was killed in the encounter; my heart bleeds for the mother who mourns the loss of her new-born baby who died of tetanus for lack of the necessary medical attention; my heart bleeds for the men who have given their lives and those who continue to risk their lives just to protect our people and our territory; my heart bleeds for the countless displaced people like the Sama Dilauts, Yakan whom I frequently visit who gave me a hand woven mat, which, just like the vinta, is a symbol of unity in Zamboanga.

 

Mayor Beng Climaco: Let me reiterate to all of our people. This crisis is not an issue of religion. This had been made clear since the first day when this crisis begun. Let us not speculate and push further this divide as this will not help in solving the current situation of this city. This is an issue of those misguided people whose ideologies had been founded with the use of arms, ultimately to inflict terror to our people.

*A barangay is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines and is the native Filipino term for a village, district or ward. In colloquial usage, the term often refers to an inner city neighbourhood, a suburb or a suburban neighborhood.  Municipalities and cities are composed of barangays.