Philippine government tries to allay concerns on Aquino's continued presence

Philippine President Benigno Aquino's presence in Zambonga City aims to assure the local residents that they have not been abandoned by the national government, deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte said Monday. Valte, who declined to say until when the president would stay in Zamboanga City, also assured that work in the national government is not hampered by Aquino's absence. "He's just in Zamboanga ... as always, aided by modern communications technology. With the exception of the cabinet secretaries, most are attending to their duties," she said. Aquino flew to Zambaonga City last Friday to personally see the situation in the city and check on the conditions of the people on the ground. He has been in the city since then but Malacanang was mum on when he would return to Manila citing security reasons. "The president continues to assess the situation on the ground along with the cabinet secretaries present and the local government officials. He is there to assure the people of Zamboanga City that they will not be left alone in this situation and that they have the full support of government," Valte said. A faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) led by the group's founding chairman Nur Misuari attacked Zamboanga City last Monday (Sept. 9) and held hundreds of local residents hostage, after allegedly declaring independence from the Philippines. The president earlier said the Department of Justice is already looking at possible charges against Misuari and those involved in the incident.