MILF denies fighters disarmed cops

From ABS-CBN (Apr 25): MILF denies fighters disarmed cops

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Central Committee does not believe that its fighters were behind the disarming of policemen and release of 8 arrested drug suspects last Tuesday in Balindong, Lanao del Sur.

MILF First Vice Chairman for Political Affairs Ghazali Jaafar said the people behind the disarming are out to sabotage the peace talks between the MILF and the government.

"Hindi kami naniniwala na magagawa ito ng isang lehitimong miyembro ng MILF. Sa tingin ko, isa itong sabotahe sa peace talks...madali lang gayahin ang patches at uniform ng MILF,'' Jaafar said.

Jaafar said MILF fighters and members on the ground are always coordinating with the MILF Central Committee.

Jaafar also belied allegations that there are MILF members involved in illegal drug trading.

"Hindi totoo yan, mariing ipinagbabawal ng MILF at ng Islam ang ganyang gawain,'' he said.

Chief Superintendent Noel delos Reyes, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Police director, said tension is still felt in Picong and Balindong, Lanao del Sur following the incident.

"Kaya nga pupunta tayo ngayon doon para makita talaga natin yung sitwasyon doon, pero everything is under control naman,'' Delos Reyes said.

The GRP-MILF Coordinating Committees on Cessation of Hostilities is already moving to address the situation and make sure this will not turn into a bigger conflict in the province.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/04/25/14/milf-denies-fighters-disarmed-cops