With regard to the report "Filipino rebels hold hostages as human shields" (Sep. 11), there is more to the story than the media wants people to know. The MNLF convoy that went to Zamboanga City originally went there to attend a peaceful rally. The members of the convoy were attacked and had no choice but to fight back. There are some elements who create false reports because they want Muslims to fight each other. They feel that the best way to eliminate the Muslim population is by letting them kill each other. Umm Saad, Online response
II. The hostage crisis in the Philippines shows the greediness of politicians in southern Mindanao, who are using poor people to advance their vested interests. The MNLF signed a peace pact with the government and now they are taking up arms against the government. They want more power and they have not received it so they are using force again to get what they want. The government of the Philippines should use an iron hand to clamp down on the group of Misuari and thwart terror. Manny Sanchez, Online response
