MILF denies 4,000 men moved to MNLF, calls reports baseless, anti-peace

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 9): MILF denies 4,000 men moved to MNLF, calls reports baseless, anti-peace

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Wednesday downplayed claims that 4,000 of its members have joined the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

"This is plain propaganda and handiwork of people opposed to the attainment of peace in Mindanao," Von Al Haq, speaking for the MILF Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF).

Al Haq was reacting to media pronouncement by a certain MNLF Commander Ustadz Pendie Colano who claimed he chairs the MNLF Selatan State Revolutionary Committee.

"There is no valid reason for MILF members to shift to another Moro front in Mindanao because our men are all aware of our struggle and the outcome of the peace process since they were part of it," he added.

Colano claimed that four MILF commanders have joined the MNLF after the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, with each commander having about 1,000 armed followers.

But Al Haq dismissed the claims of Colano, including that of the participation of Malaysia as mediator in the peace process allegedly just to maintain its claim over Sabah.

"There is no basis to such claim, we consider them as anti-peace and that the issue of Sabah was not part of the GPH-MILF peace process," Al Haq said.

He also explained that the CAB is inclusive, therefore it includes the MNLF and all other inhabitants of Mindanao.

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