From GMA News (Feb 21): Military protests alleged extortion by MILF commanders in North Cotabato
The Army's 602nd Brigade has filed a protest before the joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities over alleged extortion by two Moro Islamic Liberation Front commanders in Carmen, North Cotabato.
The Army's 602nd Brigade has filed a protest before the joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities over alleged extortion by two Moro Islamic Liberation Front commanders in Carmen, North Cotabato.
"We filed protest with the CCCH and we understand na hindi naman ito ito-tolerate ng MILF na magkaroon ng hampered flow of traffic, sayang yung peace sa area na 'yan kung hindi natin maagapan," Colonel Allan Arrojado, brigade commanding officer, said Friday.
The CCCH has representatives from the government and MILF panels and is charged with checking on the implementation of the ceasefire between the two sides.
On Thursday, residents complained that followers of MILF commanders Karim and Tarzan were blocking the road, which led to a firefight between the MILF and armed civilian volunteers.
A barangay councilor, Randy Camigue, died in the clash.
Members of the Moro National Liberation Front led by MNLF commander Teo Minanimbong also clashed with the MILF on Thursday over alleged harassment.
Members of the Moro National Liberation Front led by MNLF commander Teo Minanimbong also clashed with the MILF on Thursday over alleged harassment.
Troops from the 602nd Brigade were deployed Thursday to contain the firefight.
MILF spokesman Von Al Haq has said the MILF will investigate the incident. He also said, however, that there may be a third party trying to get the MILF and the MNLF to fight.