Gun no longer more important than wife—MILF official

High-powered & crew-serve weapons of the MILF that were turned over today. Photo from OPAPP Twitter account

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Basilan-based Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander Hadji Laksaw Dan Asnawi said it was difficult for most of them to let go of their firearms but they had to move on.

Asnawi said it was hard to be “separated from a long-time companion” as the rebel group prepared for a decommissioning of crew-served weapons following Tuesday ceremonial turnover in Maguindanao.

“We’re more than ready for decommissioning,” he said.

Asnawi, commander of the 114th MILF Base Command, said what was important for them now is the future.

“The Moro adage that the firearm is more important than a wife is no longer true. What is more important for us now is the future of our family,” he said.