Officials eye integration of MILF fighters into PNP

This file photo taken on September 19, 2009 shows a member of the southern Philippine rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), holding a rocket propelled grenade launcher (RPG) as he stands guard at Camp Darapanan in the town of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao province, on Mindanao island. AFP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The government is studying the possibility of integrating Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters into the Philippine National Police with the newly formed Bangsamoro state, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said Wednesday.

“We will study this, and there will be consultations again. This is just a framework when the IRR comes, the implementing rules will be tackled,” he said.

As for the Moro National Liberation Front, which claimed they were “betrayed” with the framework agreement of the MILF and the government, Gazmin assured they will be included in the talks.

“We will also conduct consultations with the MNLF…,” Gazmin told reporters.

The Defense Secretary also said he doesn’t see that the MNLF will resume its hostilities but said it could be a possibility.

Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas said the integration of the MILF troops and the county’s police forces is possible.