Security forces on full alert ahead of GPH, MILF peace deal signing

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  - The police and military forces have been placed on full and heightened alert two days before the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the Philippine government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Malacañang, according to a security official.

Senior Superintendent Angelito Casimiro, city police director, said that while the security forces hope the peace plan would deliver improvement to the economy and lives of the people in Mindanao, they are on alert to thwart any possible plans of so-called spoilers of the peace process.

Police and military forces mounted the security in the border of this southern port city.

“We hope this plan (peace agreement) would really deliver improvement to the lives...of the people of Mindanao...We will continue to be vigilant. The military and the police are on full alert...” Casimiro said.

The security official did not categorically say whether he was referring to a action of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) that does not recognize the peace agreement forged between the GPH and MILF.

Casimiro, however, disclosed that they have not monitored information on the possible movement of armed groups in this city.

Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief Lt. General Rustico Guerrero said the military forces in central and western Mindanao, including those in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces, have remained on alert.

Guerrero said soldiers also continued to support the law enforcement operation mission of the police forces to keep the different threat groups on the run.

Meanwhile, the city government, which opposed its inclusion in the Bangsamoro region, has not been invited in the formal signing of the CAB in Malacañang.

“As far as the city government is concerned and up to this moment I have not received invitation yet. But nonetheless let’s be clear that the city of Zamboanga is for peace and it supports inclusive peace to be able to put together the different voices of Mindanao,” Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said.

Salazar added that during the signing day she will be also in Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City to receive an award.