The Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Moro-Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front in the campaign to flush out terrorist groups in Mindanao.
“We would certainly welcome any support and assistance these Moro fronts can provide us,” said EastMin Command chief Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Guerrero during the Kapehan sa Dabaw on Monday.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s had earlier revealed that he accepted the officer of MNLF chairman Nur Misuari to enlist some of his fighters in the fight against the terrorist group Maute in Marawi City.
Duterte revealed Misuari’s offer in a speech in Jolo, Sulu on May 27.
Gen. Guerrero said it would not be the first time that the armed forces would be teaming up with the Moro groups.
Guerrero also said that in the past, there have been joint operations conducted in collaboration with the Moro groups.
“In the past, the AFP have conducted operations with the MNLF and nakita naman natin na may mechanisms naman tayo dito to ensure na ‘yong joint operations na iyon follows strict procedures.”
On Saturday, during his visit in Jolo, Sulu, the President revealed the MNLF Chair’s offer to help the government fight local criminals and terrorist groups.
The president also called other Muslim groups to join him in fighting against terrorism and even offered to grant them the same pay and privileges as the soldiers, including providing them housing.
