MILF neutral in coming elections but members are free to vote

MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Saturday reiterated the “hands off” policy on the May midterm elections among its political and military leaders but its members would be allowed to vote.

Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chairman for political affairs, said that the reiteration of the policy was agreed upon during a recent meeting of the MILF Central Committee.

However, Jaafar said, the Central Committee has also allowed a slight relaxation of the policy as it has allowed its political and military leaders to support their relatives who are seeking elective posts in May.

“They should just be sure that they won’t violate the provisions in our ‘hands off’ policy such as getting on stage to campaign or use the MILF as an organization,” Jaafar told the Inquirer by phone in Filipino.

Jaafar said MILF members and its sympathizers would be allowed to vote.

Asked until when this policy would be implemented, Jaafar said the MILF did not have any timetable for it.

“It would depend on the central committee as the highest governing body of the MILF,” Jaafar said.

On its website, luwaran.com, Muhammad Ameen, chairman of the MILF secretariat, disowned the candidates who have been claiming that they have the support of the MILF in the elections.

“The MILF will not anoint any candidate,” Ameen said.