Siege of Palawan island ends

MANILA, Philippines - A military spokesman reported that the siege of Matanggule island in Balabac, Palawan that was staged by marauding Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels ended yesterday after government troops clashed with the rebels that resulted in the death of 10 guerrillas.

Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo, Navy spokesman, said seven rebels were killed last Wednesday while three others were killed yesterday after they engaged a group of Navy commandos.

Arevalo said five other MNLF fighters were captured and were turned over to the local police.

The group’s leader, Abdullah Abdurajak alias Pa Guro, was among those reportedly killed during the clashes.

“The military response had been prudent and the force applied commensurate and necessary for the restoration of law and order in the island,” Arevalo said.

He said the group has long extorted money from poor fisherfolk in the island.

“The armed engagements happened only after the MNLF members refused to lay down their arms following negotiations with two of Abdurajak’s emissaries,” he said.

The rebels occupied the mosque in Matanggule island last Saturday and terrorized the residents.

The residents fled to the nearby Bangkalan island and reported the incident to the military.

Clearing operations are still ongoing in Matanggule as of press time.   – James Mananghaya