MILF sets up new camps in Central Mindanao

More than a year after government troops captured its last major stronghold, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has started setting up new military camps in Central Mindanao to strengthen its bargaining position in peace talks with the government to be held in Malaysia on Tuesday next week.

A military official, who requested anonymity, told The STAR yesterday the MILF was also setting up the camps in preparation for the recovery of territories it had lost to the government during the Estrada administration.

In another development, Farouk Hussin, spokesman for the Moro National Liberation Front, told the weekly Ciudad Fernandina forum in Greenhills, San Juan yesterday the MNLF and the MILF must unite to end the 20-year-old Muslim secession in Mindanao.

"The Bangsamoro people, regardless of tribe, whether they are Tausug, Maranaw, Maguindanao, Sama or Yakan must unite as one group," he said.

Hussin, who was accompanied by members of the MNLF central committee, said Gov. Nur Misuari of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has not been ousted as MNLF chairman, but his powers had been clipped because he failed to perform his sworn duties.

In fact, Misuari has been named chairman emeritus of the MNLF, he added.

Farouk said no armed confrontation would occur between the central committee’s supporters and followers of Misuari as the matter is an internal problem that could be easily resolved.

On the other hand, MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu said yesterday peace negotiations could be derailed if President Arroyo insists that talks be done within the parameters of the Constitution.

"The moment they insist on this, that’s the end of the talks," he said. "The government should not insist on the constitutional framework and its territorial integrity, and in return, the MILF will not talk about independence. We should just remain silent."

The military official said three new MILF camps have been set up in Munai and Nunungan towns in Lanao del Norte and Piapayungan town in Lanao del Sur, all under the command of Abdul Rakamn Macapaar, alias Commander Bravo.

"We have monitored that the MILF is setting up new camps in Lanao del Sur," he said. "Field commanders have verified the establishment of at least three military camps (in the area). The Nunungan camp is a training facility manned by at least 100 rebels."

The MILF’s new camps are located near its two former strongholds in Lanao del Sur — Camps John Mack and Bushra — where the MILF’s training school was located, he added.

However, the military official said they have not yet received any instruction from higher-ups on how the situation should be handled.

"We have no operational plans yet but I’m sure the issue is being discussed within the military leadership," he said.

The military official said Macaapar was involved in various terrorist acts. –Paolo Romero, Perseus Echeminada