MILF protests arrest of 4 members

Rappler.com

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The government wants a full police report on these incidents

MANILA, Philippines – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is crying foul over the arrest of 4 of its members, warning this could affect the ongoing peace talks.  

MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar said they believe the arrests were a deliberate attempt to target the group amid an ongoing ceasefire with government.

“We filed this protest to send a message to the government that we are not happy with what is going on and we are very much concerned about the situation,” he said in an interview with Agence France-Presse.

The MILF has submitted their complaint to the International Monitoring Team, which is acting as the 3rd party between the government and the MILF on the ceasefire agreement. 

Jaafar told Rappler two of their members were arrested in Polomolok, Sultan Kudarat “less than two weeks ago” over alleged illegal possession of ammunition.

In an article on luwaran.com, the MILF said one of their members was earlier arrested in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, while on his way back home, while another was apprehended in Linamon, Lanao del Norte, while he “was just walking around.”

Jaafar said under the ceasefire agreement, one of the mechanisms of the peace talks, members of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces cannot be arrested for carrying firearms or ammunition.   

Asked why they would be targeted by the police, Jaafar said, “I don’t know. I think you should ask [the police].”

‘Law enforcement operation’

Government peace panel head Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said in a statement she has asked the police to issue a complete report on the cases.

Major Carlos Sol, secretariat head of the government Ceasefire Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (GCCCH), told Rappler the GCCCH sent a formal letter to the Philippine National Police yesterday asking for a full report on the matter. The police have yet to respond.

Despite the ceasefire agreement, Sol said he believes “law enforcement” should prevail. “There are procedures that can be done under the ceasefire accord,” he said. “We don’t differentiate on whether they are MILF or what. In my opinion, it depends on whether the person has a warrant of arrest.” 

Concerns over peace talks delay

The complaint comes amid growing concerns over delays in the peace process.

“What we want is the comprehensive compact agreement is signed without delay,” Jaafar said. 

In an earlier plenary session in Kuala Lumpur, MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim expressed the same concerns.

“For the people of Bangsamoro, every minute of delay in finishing the annexes to the FAB poses a threat to peace,” he said.

Although no schedule has been set for the next round of talks, the government and the MILF have started exchanging notes on the final details of the annexes that will complement the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro — a mechanism agreed upon by both parties to settle the remaining issues leading to a final peace pact. 

The government earlier asked the MILF for more time to conduct “due dilligence” on the contents of the annexes. with reports from Angela Casauay and Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com

 

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