MILF reminds officials vs taking part in Oct 25 polls

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has reminded its officials against taking part in the October 25 barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections. MILF central committee secretary Muhammad Ameen and vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar signed a memorandum order reiterating the MILF’s 'hands-off' policy. "You are hereby directed to abide by the provisions of this Memorandum banning all political and military officers in all levels to participate in the forthcoming October 2010 Barangay Elections," read part of the memorandum signed last Oct. 1. It added that the "democratic" system of choosing leaders is not only divisive and acrimonious, but also failed to produce the best qualified people to run their affairs. As a consequence, a corrupt and strife-torn society is in place, the MILF said. Excerpts of the memorandum were posted Monday on the MILF website. The memorandum order prohibits participation in political campaigns and rallies, delivering political speeches at campaigns, soliciting campaign funds, and allowing candidates to use one’s vehicles during campaign period. "Any violator of this Memorandum will be dealt with accordingly under the MILF judicial system," the memorandum order said. Last April, the MILF suspended erstwhile spokesman Eid Kabalu for witnessing the signing of a "covenant" by candidates of television evangelist Eduardo “Eddie" Villanueva’s Bangon Pilipinas. In suspending Kabalu for six months, the MILF cited a "gross violation of policy" of non-participation in the elections. The suspension is due to lapse on October 12. — RSJ/LBG, GMANews.TV