Notorious MNLF leader ‘Obviously dead’ – Gazmin

Over a month since the siege in Zamboanga City, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said a top Moro National Liberation Front commander is –quote– “obviously dead.”  But Gazmin admitted the government does not have evidence to prove Ustadz Habier Malik was killed during the standoff. Malik is the top lieutenant of MNLF founder Nur Misuari, who is believed to be the mastermind of the attack in Zamboanga City. Gazmin made the statement during Monday’s honor ceremonies for heroes of the Zamboanga stand-off led by President Benigno Aquino III. Outgoing Western Mindanao Command chief Lieutenant General Rey Ardo said the Zamboanga City siege was the kind of military operation that turns soldiers into heroes. The siege that turned parts of the city into rubble brought lessons in urban warfare- situations the Armed Forces was not used to. “It’s the first time we got a military operation in an urban terrain… Have you seen Black Hawk Down? It was
like that,” Ardo said, referring to the American film on the Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia. Ardo’s retirement triggers a reshuffle in the Armed Forces of the Philippines that may impact the peace process and the fight against other rebel and terror groups. Lt General Rustico Guerrero takes over as chief of the Wesmincom. Wesmincom commands troops dealing with the breakaway Bangsamoro Freedom Fighters, the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Moro National Liberation Front.

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