Military closing in on MNLF men occupying Palawan island

MANILA, Philippines - Government forces have closed in on a group of suspected Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members who have occupied an island in Palawan since last Saturday, threatening residents and forcing them to flee, a military spokesman said yesterday.

Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner, Armed Forces spokesman, said Marines and teams of the elite Naval Special Operations Group have been deployed to Montangguli Island following the incident.

“They are prepared and ready to operate when given the go-signal, but as of now, negotiations are being done by the local government units,” he said.

The Navy has also deployed vessels for “barrier patrol” to prevent the escape of the MNLF members led by a certain Pa Guro, who have reportedly held some of the residents inside a mosque.

Brawner said the MNLF men have sent surrender feelers and are now negotiating with local officials.

At least 30 MNLF members, armed with six M-14 sniper rifles, four M1 Garand rifles and seven M203 grenade launchers, occupied the island last Saturday, forcing residents, mostly Muslims, to evacuate to nearby Bangkalan Island, he said.

Brawner said the motive behind the attack is still being determined, adding though that the police have already three warrants of arrest for the suspects.

Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo, Navy spokesman, said in a separate statement that the group is reportedly extorting money from the residents.

Brawner said the incident is not related to the recent series of clashes in Basilan.

“We initially thought that this is a diversionary tactic but it is not related,” he said.

He said there are no known armed groups in Palawan and that this is the first time that such an incident happened there.

He said the Coast Guard has brought relief goods for the displaced families on the island.