 The army was long in countering the attack since accidental exposure to MNLF communities that occupied the district could lead to clashes on autonomy rights that forbid Filipino military presence in MNLF territory.Army coordination with MNLF command in linking up with their troops (since the MNLF was fighting Sayyaf militia) was mixed.The majority of MNLF members retained their refusal to work with Filipino authorities supposedly having family connections with some of the militants.