MILF suspends development agency's chief

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has suspended for four months the chief of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) who went on an overseas trip without seeking permission from its leaders.

The BDA is the development arm of the MILF, which is tasked “to determine, lead, and manage” relief, rehabilitation and development projects in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

Suspended from July 15 to Nov. 15 was Dr. Safrullah Dipatuan, who is temporarily replaced by Dr. Rizaldy Piang as officer-in-charge.

Dipatuan reportedly went to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last June 9 “to meet a friend” and also attend a conference where he spoke on the situation of oppressed Muslims throughout the world.

Dipatuan is the third MILF official suspended this year. The two others were military spokesman Eid Kabalu for signing as witness to a covenant with a political party, and Maestro Felmin of the 105th Base Command for the burning of houses in Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao.

Meanwhile, the MILF has appointed a new head for its Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, which oversees its ceasefire agreement with the government.

In a statement posted on its website luwaran.com yesterday, the MILF said Said Sheik, also known as Abu Salman, would replace Toks Ebrahim as head of its ceasefire committee.

Ebrahim has served in the committee since March 2008.

“Sheik, unlike the previous ceasefire chiefs of the MILF, has a mixture of both military and political background. For years, he had worked in the Middle East where he actively worked for the MILF as a member of a Moro overseas workers’ organization,” the MILF said.

Sheik, who hails from Lanao del Norte, will occupy the position until July 1, 2011.

The ceasefire committees of the MILF and the government were created in accordance with the implementing guidelines of the agreement on the cessation of hostilities signed by the two parties in 1997.

The committees, each composed of six members, are tasked to investigate, prepare reports and recommend actions on alleged violations of the ceasefire agreement.

The committees also visit areas where the ceasefire is in effect, organize field offices if necessary, and recommend changes in the ceasefire agreement’s implementing rules.

– With Alexis Romero