PA allays fears on MNLF massing in North Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 17): PA allays fears on MNLF massing in North Cotabato

The Philippine Army on Tuesday allayed fears of the residents of Midsayap, North Cotabato following reports that about 200 Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters are massing up in the area.

Col. Allan R. Arrojado, 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, said he has already talked with the identified leaders of the MNLF.

Together with other stakeholders, they had reached an agreement for the group to disengage and leave the area.

Capt. Antonio Bulao, 602nd Infantry Brigade civil-military officer, said the 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.

Initial reports disclosed that the MNLF forces were headed by Commanders Noran Oto, Hasan and Dumo.

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

Despite these, the PA will remain vigilant and will closely monitor the situation, he added.

Intelligence gathering and monitoring activities will likewise continue.

"The PA will also be proactive in order to thwart any hostile action by those who plan to disrupt the peace and stability in the region," Army spokesperson Capt. Anthony Bacus said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=597652