Manhunt for MILF leaders to continue

The manhunt for rebel commanders and their men that killed civilians and burned farms in Cotabato, Lanao del Norte and Sarangani provinces two months ago will not stop even if the government resumes peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the military said yesterday.

Armed Forces public information chief Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres said the search for MILF commanders Ameril Umbra Kato, Abdurahman Macapaar alias Commander Bravo and Aleem Sulaiman alias Commander Pangalian will be a two-pronged effort, with peace negotiations on one side and military offensive on the other. 

“So with the recent developments, where we have seen the degradation of the rogue MILF capability to fight, we believe that sooner or later we would see lasting peace and justice in conflict torn areas in Mindanao,” he said.

Meanwhile, seven former MILF rogue members surrendered to Army troops two days ago in Barangay Gadungan in Madalum town in Lanao del Sur, according to Torres.

“These are good signs that some renegade MILF members have finally realized that it is better to surrender their firearms following the course of the framework for disarmament, demobilization and rehabilitation so that we can fast-track our dialogues with various stakeholders in Central Mindanao,” he said.

The rebels yielded high-powered firearms and a rocket-propelled grenade, he added. – James Mananghaya