Another MNLF camp ‘peacefully’ dismantled in Tawi-Tawi

From the Philippine News Agency (May 17, 2021): Another MNLF camp ‘peacefully’ dismantled in Tawi-Tawi (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

UNAUTHORIZED. Government troops uproot the bamboo poles of an unauthorized camp of the Moro National Liberation Front in Mapun, Tawi-Tawi on Sunday (May 16, 2021). It was the third such camp ordered removed by the military in the province. (Photo courtesy of WestMinCom Public Information Office)

Government troops and the provincial government peacefully dismantled an unregistered camp of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Tawi-Tawi, military officials announced Monday.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said the camp that was dismantled Sunday is located in Mount Leran, Barangay Duhol Bato in Mapun town.

“Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi in coordination with the local government of Tawi-Tawi and officials of Barangay Duhol Bato proceeded to Sitio Mount Leran and conducted a dialogue with the inhabitants of the said camp,” he said in a statement.

MNLF personnel led by Akip Damli voluntarily removed their signage and flags.

“The negotiating team reminded they are not allowed to hoist their flag and establish a camp in the area as this is not recognized by the military and the local government,” Vinluan added.

Damli’s group was further reminded to avoid activities that might violate the peace agreement between the government and the MNLF, signed on Sept. 2, 1996.

Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi commander, said it was the third unauthorized MNLF camp dismantled this year in Tawi-Tawi.

The first was taken down in March in Barangay Lakit-Lakit, Bongao, the capital town of Tawi-Tawi, while the second was in April in Saluang, Sitangkai town.

“That is the beauty of good governance and the active participation of the locals. Small problems are easily and peacefully resolved through the interagency collaboration and cooperation,” Rojas said in another statement.

Residents have previously reported that Damli’s group was conducting extortion activities that were stopped after a dialogue with officials.

Mapun, comprised of 15 villages, is a fourth-class town in Tawi-Tawi with a population of 26,597 as of the 2015 census. It was formerly called Cagayan de Sulu until 1984, then as Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi until 1988.

The island municipality is located close to Sabah.

“We ensure that the peace agreement between the government and the MNLF is implemented in accordance with the Implementing Guidelines, Rules, and Regulations. We will continue to implement and support government programs here in Tawi-Tawi. More importantly, I thank the support of the local government of Tawi-Tawi and the communities in sustaining the peace,” Rojas said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140513