No boycott, MNLF commander says

From the Manila Bulletin (May 13): No boycott, MNLF commander says

A top official of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in North Cotabato has assured the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and authorities that they would adhere to what has been agreed upon during the consultation and dialogue held in Matalam town on Saturday.

Commander Datu Dima Ambil of the MNLF Sebangan Kutawato State Revolutionary Committee (SKSRC) issued the clarification after it was reported that he declared a boycott of elections in North Cotabato after their last week’s bloody encounter with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Barangay Marbel, Matalam town.

Sr. Inspector Elias Dandan, chief of Matalam PNP Police, said both warring groups agreed to cast votes on Monday. Ambil said at least 700 MNLF members in Matalam town will cast their votes.

The Army in North Cotabato will help the Comelec transport some 200 evacuees from the evacuation centers to their polling precincts in Barangay Marbel. Last week, about 200 families from at least six areas in Barangay Marbel evacuated to nearby places after armed members of the MNLF and MILF exchanged fires. The fighting resulted in the death of an MILF member and displacement of villagers.

Also in North Cotabato, the Arakan town has no electricity since Monday dawn. Engineer Godofredo Homez, general manager of the Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Cotelco), said they are looking at problems in their power lines going to Arakan. He assured the public that they should be able to restore power supply soon.

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