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Freed Zambo police chief brings along 30 MNLF surrenderees
ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews/17 September)—After nine hours in captivity, city police director Senior Supt. Chiquito Malayo was freed shortly past 6 p.m. Monday, and he managed to convince 30 Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members loyal to founding chair Nur Misuari to surrender.
Philippine National Police Deputy Director General Felipe Rojas confirmed earlier in the day that Malayo was abducted at a coastal village at past 9 a.m. following an encounter with the armed men, which resulted to the death of an MNLF fighter and the recovery of three firearms.
“Malayo, in an effort to save lives, talked to the MNLF [members] to surrender or how to remedy the situation, and unfortunately was held hostage,” Rojas said.
Malayo was freed Monday evening and he was able to bring out 30 MNLF members to surrender, Rojas said.
Malayo’s abduction this morning raised a lot of questions from frustrated Zamboangueños, who felt the city’s security was further shaken with no less than the city police chief taken hostage by the MNLF members.
The security crisis in Zamboanga City is now on its ninth day, with classes still suspended. Some business establishments opened today, including 19 banks.
Interior and Local Governments Sec. Mar Roxas announced that a total of 149 hostages have been freed, some still presently undergoing debriefings. (Frencie Carreon/MindaNews)
