MILF reorganizes anti-kidnapping task force

While it continues peace efforts with the government, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has reorganized its anti-kidnapping task force called Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG). The MILF said over the weekend the reorganization took place during a special session of its central committee last Feb. 19. "Dormant for [more than a] year since Dec. 9, 2009 due to various reasons, the AHJAG was given another mandate during the 20th GPH-MILF Exploratory Talks in Kuala Lumpur last February 9-10, 2011," the MILF said in an article on its website. The MILF said the government and the MILF had agreed to make their respective AHJAG operational on March 1, 2011. AHJAG is tasked to isolate and interdict kidnap-for-ransom groups and other criminal gangs operating in or near MILF areas. The MILF said the AHJAG had been very instrumental in the release of kidnapped victims in Mindanao. Lawyer Abdul Dataya headed the MILF's AHJAG, while Maj. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino previously led the government's AHJAG, but was later replaced by Brig. Gen. Jose Vizcarra. Dataya and Vizcarra met only once in Manila in early 2010, the MILF noted. Members of the new MILF's AHJAG came from various parts of Mindanao such as Sulu, Lanao del Sure, and Davao. But the MILF central committee did not immediately name the members, pending a meeting with the MILF peace panel. The peace panels of the government and MILF exercise direct supervision of their respective AHJAGs. — JE, GMA News