Army reports MILF training camp near Lanao Del Sur

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Army reports MILF training camp near Lanao Del Sur
(UPDATED) The Army is concerned because the supposed camp is near Lanao Del Sur, a province outside the Bangsamoro area. The MILF however denies the claim.

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Army is seeking to dismantle what it said is a newly-built training facility of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in an isolated area at the boundary of Iligan City and Lanao Del Sur province.

The Army has reported the violation of ceasefire provisions to the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, said Colonel Gilbert Gapay, commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade that has responsibility over the area.

The Army said the faciliy is complete with obstacle courses and watch towers. It is likely two or 3 years old and is under the control of the 305th guerrilla unit of the MILF 103rd Base Command, said Gabay. 

The MILF, which committed to lay down its arms, is not supposed to put up new training camps and embark on force and capability build-up. 

Gabay said they are concerned because the facility is near Lanao Del Sur, a province that is not within the Bangsamoro area.

The information originated from local leaders, who were alarmed because of the MILF’s recruitment of local residents. About 80 supposedly joined a recent training course in the facility.

“They alleged that MILF fighters under Abdul Sango Amoran of the 305th Guerrilla Unit recruited 85 Higaonon tribesmen and Maranaws from Bukidnon and brought to the camp from May 16 to 31 last year,” according to a statement issued by the military heaquarters.

Denial

 

 

The MILF however denied they had such an operational training camp in Lanao del Sur.

Von Al Haq, vice chair for military affairs of the MILF, said that there is no truth behind the accusation that the rebel group is continuing its training of combatants despite the ongoing peace negotiations.

“We do not have training camps in Lanao del Sur but we have a military academy in Camp Busrah. The government knows about it because it is not in the jungle,” Al Haq said.

The MILF added that the camp is directly adjacent to the satellite office of the late MILF vice chair for military affairs Abduz Azis Mimbantas in the town of Butig.

Al Haq asserted that the military academy is not anymore a training facility and is now surrounded and occupied by civilian structures including houses. “It is also now being used as a facility to receive guests,” Al Haq said. – with a report from Karlos Manlupig/Rappler.com

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