12 alleged MNLF recruits arrested in Lapu-Lapu

CEBU, Philippines —  At least 12 individuals who claimed to be members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) were arrested Sunday for traffic violation and wearing of military uniform in Lapu-Lapu City.

Arrested were identified as Joseph Bregildo, 23; April John Dela Cerna, 21; Lennard Magsanay Gador, 44; Jayson Garcia, 32; Juvy Banggos, 52; Arniel Verallo, 30; Bobby Rosales, 43; Kenneth Gador, 48; Josuwa Sacay, 21; Junard Persiao, 39; Epifanio Sacay Jr., 41, and Jose Arnold Fabellar, 50.

Police Major Narciso Abapo, station commander of Mactan Police Station, said Bregildo and Dela Cerna were caught driving their motorcycles without driver’s license in a joint checkpoint along the highway in Barangay Punta Engaño Sunday afternoon.

Abapo disclosed that aside from committing traffic violation, the two were also brought to the station for verification and investigation for wearing military uniforms.

An hour later, he narrated that 10 other alleged members of Bangsa Moro Republic (BMR)-MNLF arrived the station asking the police as to why they arrested Bregildo and Dela Cerna.

"Niadto ilang mga kauban nag-confront nganong gidakop, unsa daw ang violation," he said.

Since they also wore military uniform with patches of logo on it, Abapo said they were also arrested.

The arrested individuals are residents of Lapu-Lapu City while others are from neighboring cities of Mandaue and Cebu.

Abapo said they claimed to be members of one group which is BMR-MNLF and presented their identification cards.

Abapo further said that they were allegedly recruited to join the group stressing that they could not explain as to what they have entered into.

"So far, continue pa mi nag-conduct sa investigation, as of now wala pa mi reports kun against ba ni sila sa gobyerno or unsa," he said.

The arrested individuals are currently detained at the detention cell in Lapu-Lapu City.

All of them will be facing charges for violation of Article 117 or Usurpation of Authority and Article 179 or Illegal Use of Uniform or Insignia of the Revised Penal Code.

Bregildo and Dela Cerna will be facing additional charges for violation of Republic Act No. 4163 for driving without licenses. — GMR (FREEMAN)