MNLF helps government forces fight Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (May 31): MNLF helps government forces fight Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), even before President Rodrigo Duterte’s appeal for the Moro fronts to help the government fight terrorism, has been helping the military in neutralizing members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu province, officials said.

Yusop Jikiri, MNLF Central Committee chairperson, on Wednesday said their fighters have been running after ASG members, particularly in “MNLF-dominated” areas in Sulu.

Jikiri cited an incident where MNLF fighters launched its "Anti-kidnapping and Terrorism Task Force" in the towns of Talipao, Parang and Indanan with proper coordination with the Brigade Command in Sulu last May 18 to 20.

"In short, even without the presence of the military, our command is ready to face any challenges against terrorist groups,” Jikiri said.

Jikiri, who took over the helm last February from Muslimin Sema as the new MNLF Central Committee chair, said they will continue to exert pressure against the ASG and deny them areas for refuge.

During his recent visit in Sulu, President Duterte has called on the members of the MNLF, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and even the New People’s Army to join the government in fighting terrorism.

The President made the statement following the offer of MNLF founding chair Nur Misuari to help the government address the ongoing armed conflict in Marawi City.

The armed conflict started on May 23 when the Maute Group members laid siege in Marawi City.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejan Jr., commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu, confirmed the MNLF’s efforts to address the problem of the ASG in Sulu.

“We welcome their positive gesture towards the resolution of the Abu Sayyaf problem,” Sobejana said.

He said the military allowed the MNLF to operate in specific area.

“We gave them area to clear. We are also amendable to the option that they can operate alongside with us,” Sobejana said.

Despite the absence of ceasefire mechanisms, Sobejana said both the military and the MNLF have established a strong coordination system.

The MNLF-Misuari wing has a designated person who coordinates with the military, especially during operations against the ASG.

“We see the importance of the [peace] mechanisms. We have established contact persons in the MNLF,” Sobejana said.

The MNLF and the government have signed a peace agreement on September 2, 1996.

At least 7,000 MNLF combatants have been integrated to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as part of the peace pact.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992430