Military: Alleged MILF camp asks recruits to pay for training

Video by NOY MORCOSO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—The alleged Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) training camp in Iligan City had been reportedly asking its applicants to pay fees to become recruits, the military said on Friday.

At least 85 Higaonon members and Maranaos from Bukidnon were recruited last year and 90 more in January, Armed Forces public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said at Camp Aguinaldo.

“The applicants are charged P800 to become members of MILF and they are intimidated because there are visiting armed groups, whose members are also MILF trainers,” he said.

READ: AFP wants training camp in Iligan City to be dismantled

“In return, they are promised five hectares of land once the Bangsamoro Basic Law gets approved. That’s the issue there, why will they be given five hectares when it is actually theirs?” he added.

The military had asked the ceasefire panel early this week to dismantle the alleged MILF camp in Rogongon after complaints of the recruitment and exercises held by the MILF had been lodged.

It was not included among the recognized MILF camps under the peace process.

“Recruiting and training as well as expanding their area are prohibited by the peace talks,” Cabunoc said.

The MILF has yet to speak about the issue.

“This is a challenge to them. The MILF as an organization has not yet confirmed if they are their men. This is why we course through a ceasefire committee so they can inspect it and find out who these people are,” Cabunoc said.

READ: Ceasefire committee looking into alleged MILF training camp in Iligan City