The crisis management committee in Zamboanga City announced that the level of armed conflict between government forces and members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) led by Nur Misuari has been elevated to 'Level 4'. The MNLF blamed the hostilities in Zamboanga City on President Benigno Aquino III, claiming he did not respect the 1996 Peace Agreement between the MNLF and the government. The MNLF also said Aquino did not heed advice from former President Fidel Ramos to engage in peace talks regarding full implementation of the agreement. The conflict began on September 9, 2013 when MNLF forces under Misuari seized hostages in Zamboanga