In a simple ceremony yesterday, at the 6th Infantry Division Headquarters of the Philippine Army at Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, the Moro Islamic Liberation front (MILF) returned to the government sixteen (16) high powered firearms that it captured from elements of the PNP-Special Action Force (SAF) during a “misencounter” at Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao, last January 25. The clash resulted to the death of 44 SAF members, 18 MILF combatants, and 5 civilians.
The turn-over led by MILF Chief Negotiator Mohagher Iqbal and ceasefire committee was a show of sincerity and commitment of the Moro front in the peace process between the GPH and the MILF that started in 1997.
Chairman Iqbal said that the MILF hierarchy talked to their commanders to return the firearms following the peace process. He said that 10 firearms are in the hands of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and 18 more are still to be accounted for. He said that the MILF is exerting efforts to return the remaining firearms of the Special Action Force.
Retired Brig. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Chairman of the GPH Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) said that the firearms were turned-over on Tuesday night near the site of bloody clash in Mamasapano. “It was an emotional turned-over as the rebels themselves who personally returned the firearms”, and there is doubt about it, said Gen. Galvez.
On his part, Gen, Gregorio Catapang, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) thanked the MILF for “walking extra mile” for the peace process.
ARMM Regiona Governor Mujiv Hataman and other local officials also witnessed the ceremony.
http://www.luwaran.net/index.php/welcome/item/776-milf-returns-captured-saf-firearms
Chairman Iqbal said that the MILF hierarchy talked to their commanders to return the firearms following the peace process. He said that 10 firearms are in the hands of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and 18 more are still to be accounted for. He said that the MILF is exerting efforts to return the remaining firearms of the Special Action Force.
Retired Brig. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Chairman of the GPH Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) said that the firearms were turned-over on Tuesday night near the site of bloody clash in Mamasapano. “It was an emotional turned-over as the rebels themselves who personally returned the firearms”, and there is doubt about it, said Gen. Galvez.
On his part, Gen, Gregorio Catapang, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) thanked the MILF for “walking extra mile” for the peace process.
ARMM Regiona Governor Mujiv Hataman and other local officials also witnessed the ceremony.
http://www.luwaran.net/index.php/welcome/item/776-milf-returns-captured-saf-firearms
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.