Zamboanga siege

The Zamboanga siege (Filipino: Pagkubkob sa Zamboanga; Chavacano: Asedio na Zamboanga; Tausug: Pagkubkub ha Sambuwangan) was an armed conflict in Zamboanga City, Philippines, between government forces of the Philippines and a rogue faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) that began on September 9, 2013, and ended twenty days later on September 28. The conflict began when rogue MNLF rebels, under the command of Ustadz Habier Malik, attempted to occupy several coastal communities in Zamboanga City in protest of the Philippine government's failure to implement the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the MNLF. The conflict resulted in the displacement of 120,000 civilians and the destruction of 10,000 homes.^[1]

Declaration of the Bangsamoro Republik

Nur Misuari, the leader of the rebel group Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) signed a peace treaty in 1996 that allowed the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Misuari became its first governor. However, in 2001, he was ousted as MNLF chair by his colleagues in the MNLF leadership and replaced as ARMM governor. Misuari's reaction was rebellion against the Philippine government.^[1]

Preparations for siege

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) received intelligence reports that the MNLF would launch mass operations in Zamboanga City, three days before the incident. AFP spokesman Col. Ramon Zagala said that according to intelligence reports the MNLF troops were deployed to the coastal barangays (villages) of Rio Hondo, Sta.^[1]

September 8–15

The initial confrontation occurred around 11:00 p.m. on the evening of Sunday, September 8, 2013. A navy patrol boat intercepted a large motorboat and eight other smaller vessels carrying armed men near the coastal barangay of Rio Hondo. This led to an exchange of fire resulting in several casualties including the death of one of the navy personnel and two civilians.^[1]

September 16–28

The Army started to pound MNLF positions in Barangay Sta. Barbara with mortars. A civilian vehicle was accidentally hit by a mortar round as the battle raged, although no one was hurt.^[1]

Post-crisis skirmishes

As of September 29, 2013, even after the declaration of the end of the crisis, many residents of the City of Zamboanga still hear gunshots from time to time. The Local Government and the Military stated that these are just few skirmishes against remnants of the Rogue MNLF Elements.^[1]

Lamitan, Basilan

Combined forces of the Abu Sayyaf, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Moro National Liberation Front reportedly attacked the city of Lamitan in Basilan on September 12, 2013. The same set of militants conducted another attack on September 13, 2013. Philippine security forces were able to repel the attack and managed the situation.^[1]

Davao City

The mall was subjected to one of the two terrorist bombings that occurred on September 17, 2013, with their both abandoning shopping malls attacked at Gaisano Mall of Davao firstly, and lastly would be SM City Davao during their both blast sites. It happened during the time of armed crisis in Zamboanga City, which involved elements of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF); however, the MNLF Davao Regional Command denied that they were behind the bombings.^[1]

Human rights violations

There were accusation of human rights violations from both sides. The Philippine government claimed that the Moro National Liberation Front were using civilian hostages as human shields. MNLF commanders claimed that they were using the civilians as guides, as they are not familiar of the area.^[1]

Alleged link to the PDAF scam

There are allegations that the Moro National Liberation Front were funded by people involved in the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam to divert the public's attention from the scam. Magdalo party-list representative Gary Alejano claimed that during the previous administration, if there is a big issue plaguing the government, a diversion will be made. Alejano also claimed that people involved in the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam may have funded the rebel group to destabilize the government.^[1]