The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) on Monday claimed government troops harassed its members who were supposed to conduct a "peaceful rally" in Zamboanga City. At least 3 died and 10 were wounded in the ongoing clashes between the two sides. Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco Salazar said the MNLF was trying to hoist its flag in the city hall, something that the government cannot allow to happen. "The other party has approached and harassed some group of the MNLF troops. Unfortunately there was an encounter and this thing already started. We hope that some third party would come into the picture so this would not become a problem that we cannot anymore handle," Fontanilla told ANC.