PEACE UPDATE: Aquino flies to besieged Zamboanga City. President Benigno Aquino III has flown to Zamboanga City Friday amid an ongoing standoff between the military and renegade members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). “President Aquino en route to Zamboanga City to assess the situation on the ground w/ concerned agencies,” Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said via Twitter. Aquino left Manila 7:30 a.m. and is expected to arrive in the besieged area at around 10 a.m., Palace officials said. His visit comes amid reports that some members of the so-called Nur Misuari faction of the MNLF are planning to lay down their arms. - Yahoo! News Philippines

Aquino flies to besieged Zamboanga City - Yahoo! News Philippines: "Interior Secretary Mar Roxas denied rumors that some 80 armed men surrendered Thursday night, even as he noted that talks continue.

Armed Forces spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala meanwhile said they are confirming reports that 20 MNLF members have been killed.

The firefight in Zamboanga City erupted after a Monday attack by alleged followers of MNLF leader Nur Misuari who has earlier declared independence for Mindanao.

Violence has crippled the city and has forced thousands of Filipinos to stay in cramped evacuation centers.

In a statement Thursday, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda warned the MNLF fighters to stand down or face the full force of the military.
“[T]hey should not entertain the illusion that the state will hesitate to use its forces to protect our people,” Lacierda said.   "

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