AP FILE PHOTO/KARLOS MANLUPIG
COTABATO CITY, Philippines–Members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Maguindanao and other areas were ordered to refrain from wearing combat uniforms and bringing any firearm when going to public areas.
Sammy Almanzor, MILF chief of staff, said he had issued the directive to all members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces–the MILF’s military wing–following reports that armed MILF members were often seen roaming around Shariff Aguak, the capital town of Maguindanao province, and nearby Mamasapano town “with long firearms and wearing full military uniform with official MILF patches and insignia.”
“Our people are afraid that an armed conflict is in the offing,”
Zamsamin Ampatuan, chair of Barangay Poblacion in Rajah Buayan town, also in Maguindanao had earlier said, as he urged the MILF to control its members.
Almanzor said he had told MILF members that the Framework Agreement did not allow them to wear their military combat uniforms and display firearms in public places.
“Let the MILF members not misinterpret that the recent signing of the Bangsamoro framework agreement between the government and MILF also allowed them to carry firearms in public,” Alamanzor said.
The MILF leader said the wearing of uniforms by MILF members is only allowed within the perimeters of rebel camps, including Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao; and during special events arranged by their organization and the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process.
“MILF members in full battle gear seen in public places is not a healthy sign for the ongoing peace process,” Almanzor admitted.