MILF exec fired for eyeing ARMM appointive governorship

OZAMIZ CITY, Philippines—The Moro Islamic Liberation Front has sacked the spokesperson of its armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces for seeking to become the interim head of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao following the passage of a bill deferring regional elections originally scheduled in August.

In a post on its official website, www.luwaran.com, the MILF central committee said Eid Kabalu had been removed as chair of the MILF civil-military affairs committee and as BIAF spokesperson.

The decision to fire Kabalu was formally arrived at on June 21, the posting said.

Kabalu and MILF information Chief Mohagher Iqbal have not responded to requests for interview regarding the issue.

The MILF central committee said Kabalu had admitted to openly seeking the post of ARMM officer-in-charge.

The bill postponing the ARMM elections mandates that President Aquino appoint various officers-in-charge of the region from next September, when the terms of current ARMM officials expire, until after regional elections are held simultaneously with national elections in May 2013.

“You know pretty well that (the) ARMM is not the solution to the Bangsamoro question. The MILF only accepts a negotiated settlement of this problem,” said a central committee resolution addressed to Kabalu.

The rebel group said Kabalu was also “liable for conduct unbecoming an MILF officer” for initiating a meeting in Davao City with former North Cotabato Gov. Emmanuel Piñol and Davao Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to solicit political support.

The MILF said its investigation and Kabalu’s own admission showed he also met with politicians in Manila to bolster his bid to become OIC governor.

The MILF, meanwhile, said that Kabalu’s actions were “solely his personal pursuit” and did not have the authority of its top leadership.

Last year, Kabalu was slapped a six-month suspension for engaging in activities related to the May 10, 2010 elections. He had signed up as witness to a covenant of Bangon Pilipinas Party candidates promising enhanced autonomy for the Moro people if they won.