Army, MNLF reach agreement to disengage in Cotabato

From InterAksyon (Dec 17): Army, MNLF reach agreement to disengage in Cotabato

Local commanders of a Philippine Army brigade and leaders of some 200 fighters of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have agreed to disengage after negotiations in Midsayap, North Cotabatao.

“The Philippine Army would like to allay the fears of the residents following reports that 200 MNLF fighters are massing in the area," Army spokesperson Capt. Anthony Bacus said Tuesday.

Colonel Allan Arrojado, commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, has already talked with the identified leaders of the MNLF, according to Bacus. "Together with other stakeholders, they had reached an agreement for the group to disengage and leave the area."

Bacus said  MNLF fighters led by three commanders were looking for relatives of a village chief who were purportedly involved in the killing of a village elder in Datu Piang, Maguindanao.

"The situation was resolved peacefully, with the members of the MNLF agreeing to leave,” Bacus said.

But the Philippine Army will still "remain vigilant and will closely monitor the situation," the Army spokesperson said.

"Intelligence gathering and monitoring activities will likewise continue. The Philippine Army will be proactive in order to thwart any hostile action by those who plan to disrupt the peace and stability in the region,” he added.

The MNLF fighters in North Cotabato were not members of the faction of Nur Misuari, who is wanted for charges of rebellion and crimes against humanity in connection with the bloody Zamboanga City siege last September.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/76984/army-mnlf-reach-agreement-to-disengage-in-cotabato