Press Release
July 25, 2007

Villar calls for safety of residents fleeing 'imminent war' in Basilan

Senate President Manny Villar today appealed to the local government of Basilan to ensure the safety of residents as war threatens to break lose with the expiration of a military-imposed deadline to turn over Muslim rebels suspected of beheading 10 Philippine Marines.

"Local government officials of Basilan should make sure that evacuation procedures are carried out in orderly fashion and that innocent parties will not be caught in the crossfire between the military and forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)," Villar said.

Villar, president of the Nacionalista Party, issued this statement as residents start leaving their homes for evacuation centers put up by the local government.

"With another war in their midst, there are many frightened people out there. The safety and welfare of the residents of Basilan should be our paramount concern," Villar said.

Senior Superintendent Salik Makapantar, Basilan Police Provincial Office director, said that at least 1,000 families have already evacuated from Barangay Guinanta in Al-Barka municipality.

Thousands of residents from other barangays including, Linuan, Macalang, Danapah, Kailih and Cambug have also evacuated.

The MILF on Monday said it is expecting "hell" to break loose after the deadline to turn over rebels suspected of beheading 10 Philippine Marines passed on Sunday.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. gave the order to ground commanders in Basilan to launch "punitive actions" against the people responsible for the beheading and mutilation of 10 soldiers.

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