GPH commends MILF for not displaying firearms in public

The government peace panel Tuesday lauded the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for preventing its armed followers from displaying their firearms and military uniform in public in the aftermath of the signing of the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro (FAB).
Army Brigadier General Gilberto Roa, chair of the government peace panel’s coordinating committee on the cessation of hostilities, said the MILF gesture would help fast track the restoration of confidence and avoid misunderstanding later.
“This gesture of the MILF will help improve the ceasefire mechanism being implemented on the ground as both sides continue peace negotiations aimed at ending the decades old armed conflict in southern Philippines,” Roa said.
The MILF gesture also earned the admiration of Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista.
He said it will help fast track the peace process leading to the peace agreement that will benefit Bangsamoro people.
Last week, the MILF has been criticized after its armed followers displayed firepower and military uniform while attending various fora on the Framework Agreement in Maguindanao and other Muslim communities.
Local officials raised the issue to prevent misunderstanding and fear among the locals.
Von Al Haq, speaking for the MILF, said the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, the military arm of the MILF, has been strictly directed to refrain from carrying firearms outside their military camps.
“We inform them that the FAB does not give or entitle any MILF armed follower to carry firearms outside identified areas because it is a violation to the general agreement on the cessation of hostilities,” Al Haq said.
Gen. Roa also warned individuals allegedly recruiting members to become part of the Bangsamoro police force once the peace agreement is signed. [PNA]