Indonesia offers help in Zamboanga crisis

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua)  - Indonesia, the broker of the 1996 peace pact between the Philippine government and Moro National Liberation Front, has offered to help resolve the armed conflict in Zamboanga City where government forces and MNLF rebels are locked in an eight-day standoff.

"The government of Indonesia is always ready, at the request of stakeholders, to contribute appropriately to the restoration of conditions in the Southern part of the Philippines," Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said in a statement sent by the embassy of Indonesia to Philippine media.

Indonesia's offer of assistance came as efforts to end the violence remain unsuccessful with both sides still engaged in heavy fighting even after Vice President Jejomar Binay announced that MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari agreed to a truce.

"Peaceful solution is the only option that should be taken by both parties," Natalegawa said.

The MNLF rebels started their attack last Monday in an attempt to hoist their flag in the city hall. The was supposedly led by the faction of MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari, who disagrees with the new peace deal the government is working on.

The Philippine government forces have remained its fatality figure to six policemen and soldiers killed but the number of wounded have already climbed to 81, including 69 soldiers and 12 policemen, according to Zagala.   

The police and military said the casualty count of the rebels increased to 63 killed and many others wounded.