MILF files protest on arrest of 4 members

From the Sun Star (Jun 11): MILF files protest on arrest of 4 members

THE Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has filed a protest to the Philippine government for the arrest of four of its members in separate occasions, the group said Tuesday.

According to the MILF Ceasefire Committee, which filed the protest to its counterpart, said that the recent action by the government forces could adversely affect the confidence building measures of both parties on the peace process, including the signed Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB).

The four Muslim rebels, whom the MILF did not identify, were arrested in Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Lanao del Norte.

"The one arrested in Lambayong Sultan Kudarat was on his way back home when arrested, those arrested in Polomolok, South Cotabao were raided while preparing for Subuh (early morning prayer), and the one arrested in Linamon, Lanao del Norte, was just walking around when apprehended," the MILF said, stressing that they were "innocent."

"We vehemently condemn these arrests against the MILF members. Clearly, there are violations against human rights, the ceasefire accord between the government and MILF, and adverse effects on the on the confidence of the MILF forces on the government sincerity and commitment to the FAB," the MILF said.

Raid and arrest against MILF members are acts constituting violations to the ceasefire accord, as stipulated in the GRP (government of the Republic of the Philippines)–MILF Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities section, Article 1 and the Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the GRP – MILF Tripoli Agreement on Peace of 2001 pursuant to its paragraph 3.1.1, the rebel group said.

Comrades of the arrested MILF appealed to the government peace panel chair Miriam Colonel-Ferrer to help for the release of the arrested and detained MILF members.

"We are appealing to the government to work out for their release as it is so difficult to explain on the ground why arrest MILF who are innocent and cannot release them as part of the political goodwill of the FAB," the MILF said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/06/11/milf-files-protest-arrest-4-members-286891