ZAMBOANGA CITY Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has directed the police and military to re-examine and beef up security measures following the release of 96 men involved in the September 2013 siege of the city. “As City Mayor, I have ordered a thorough review on the security measures and directed the City Police and Military to closely coordinate with my office,” said Ms. Climaco in a statement. The mayor also said that the local government is “saddened” by the return of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members, even as it vowed to “continue to fight for justice.” “Despite the efforts by the City of Zamboanga thru the City Legal Officer before the Supreme Court with prayer for a Temporary Restraining Order, stopping the release of the accused MNLF members, the Regional Trial Court of Pasig, Branch 158, still issued an order releasing the Ninety-Six (96) MNLF fighters accused,” she said. The release was a result of the plea bargaining agreement entered into by the Department of Justice and the accused. “I am still positively hoping that justice will be served to the victims of the Zamboanga Siege and the remaining 100 MNLF accused shall be held accountable for the crimes committed.” The three-week siege left more than 100 people dead, various parts of the city destroyed, and displaced more than 100,000 residents. — Mindanao Bureau

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