No attacks over arrest of Elly Pamatong, MNLF assures government

The Moro National Liberation Front over the weekend assured residents of Cagayan de Oro City that it will not stage attacks in retaliation for the arrest of the group's lawyer, disqualified presidential candidate Elly Pamatong, last week.

MNLF commander Sammy Tagalog gave the assurance in a meeting with local police under Senior Inspector Elmer Robas, GMA Northern Mindanao's Kaye Mercado reported.

Pamatong was arrested in Manila on Sept.3 on the strength of an old warrant for malicious mischief but has since posted bail. Pamatong has also been linked to a supposed bomb attempt at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport where a group tried to sneak in an improvised incendiary device earlier this month.

Cooperating with local government

Tagalog said his group is cooperating with the government to maintain peace in the city. He also said they are working to prevent a repeat of last year's failed siege in Zamboanga City.

In September last year, followers of MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari tried to occupy parts of Zamboanga City but were repelled after nearly a month.

For his part, Robas said he trusts Tagalog will keep his word, adding the police and the MNLF are in constant communication. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News