Gov't hails MILF for prohibiting its members from bringing firearms in public

From the Sun Star (Dec 15): Gov't hails MILF for prohibiting its members from bringing firearms in public

The Philippine government lauded Saturday the move of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in prohibiting its members from wearing military fatigue uniforms and bearing firearms in public. "We are glad that the chief of staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) has issued this protocol. This will definitely allay the fears of our people and communities," chief of the government Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities General Gilberto Roa said.

The order banning the display of firearms and the wearing of military uniforms issued by Sammy Almanzur, chief of staff of the MILF-BIAF was handed down amid reports that MILF members were often seen roaming around Shariff Aguak, the capital town of Maguindanao province, and nearby Mamasapano town with firearms and full military uniform complete with MILF patches and insignia. Army chief Lt. Gen. Emmanual Bautista said that the MILF order to dissuade its field members from carrying firearms and using military fatigue uniforms in public places "will surely advance the cause and the spirit of the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement."

According to Roa, the government intends to reciprocate the move of the MILF "by strengthening our ceasefire mechanisms in order to keep the peace and to protect our people from those taking advantage and using the peace process for personal gains." "There have been rumors of people recruiting for the police force for the Bangsamoro in exchange for money. We caution our communities not to be fooled by these unscrupulous people," Roa said.

Currently, the government and the MILF are holding their 34th round of Formal Exploratory Talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The two parties continue to discuss the annexes on power-sharing, wealth-sharing and normalization.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/12/15/govt-hails-milf-prohibiting-its-members-bringing-firearms-public-258493