AFP urged to look into MILF training camp in Iligan City
MANILA, Philippines – Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez is asking the Armed Forces of the Philippines to look into reports that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is putting up a training camp in a remote barangay (village) adjacent to his city.
Rodriguez said the MILF camp at Sitio Limunsodan in Barangay Rogongon, Iligan City, was “strategically positioned” to be a threat to non-Muslims in the areas.
In separate letters to AFP Chief of Staff Gregorio Pio Catapang and Major Gen. Cesar Lactao, commander 4th Infantry Division, Rodriguez asked the two military officials to iron out the “conflicting reports” on the MILF camp.
Rodriguez, the head of the House Ad Hoc committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law, expected Catapang and Lactao to submit a report on April 6 this year.
Rodriguez said the information on the MILF camp site was volunteered by Col. Gilbert Gapay, commander of the 2nd Mechanized Brigade based in Lanao del Norte, during a local peace and order council meeting held recently.
“The sitio is very strategically located in that it can be reached via Talakag, a Bukidnon town next to Cagayan de Oro,” said Rodriguez.
MILF vice chair for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar confirmed the existence of the camp but denied it was a military training facility. Jaafar claimed it was a place meant to orient its members on the BBL and ceasefire agreement.
Rodriguez expressed concerns that, if true, the existence of the MILF camp at Sitio Limunsodan in Barangay Rigongon, Iligan City, would “intimidate” Christians and indigenous people in the area and affect the peace of mind of Iligan City residents.
“The nearest police station is in Barangay Tag-ibo, which means that the presence of the MILF could result in a volatile situation, which could easily spark another untoward incident,” said Rodriguez.
He said the MILF camp was outside the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and that its creation was a violation of the ceasefire agreement with the government. SFM/AC
