AFP: No MILF takeover of Zambo village

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The military clarified yesterday there was no takeover by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces of a village in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte that forced residents to flee their homes.

The military said unarmed MILF members and their families left Barangay Lakiki, as they feared an impending military operation.

Last week, village officials, in a resolution, called on the police and military to put up a detachment in their community after MILF forces reportedly occupied an abandoned school.

“There was no actual takeover. The unarmed MILF members and their families just occupied the school to seek refuge,” said Maj. Gen. Nehemias Pajarito, commanding general of the Army’s First Tabak Division.

“There is no cause for alarm. The MILF representative in the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities was informed to remind their forces of the provision of the ceasefire to avert misinterpretation of any movement,” Pajarito said.

Peace talks between the government and the MILF have reached an impasse over the issue of ancestral domain.

Pajarito also allayed the MILF’s apprehension on reports that government troops were also massing up in Zamboanga del Norte.

He said the troops deployed in the province, particularly in the towns of Sirawai and Sibuco, belong to the Army Engineering Brigade.

The military engineers were dispatched on orders of President Arroyo upon the request of Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Cesar Jalosjos to help construct a coastal road.

Local officials complained that private contractors refused to undertake the road project due to the presence of various armed groups and lawless elements extorting money from them.