MILF denies surrender of 20 members to govt

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Sunday denied that 20 of its members in Lanao del Sur have surrendered to the government. “So far we have not received [any information] about MILF members surrendering in Lanao del Sur," said Von Al Haq, the MILF spokesman, adding that the MILF rank and file “is very strong and solid." He was referring to the 20 armed men who surrendered to the military last Thursday. Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz said the surrenderees were from the 101st and 116th Base Commands of the MILF, the largest secessionist organization in the country that is now preparing to talk peace with the government. Ortiz said the rebels turned over an m16 rifle, six cal .30 M1 Garand rifles, two M203 grenade launchers, three M79 grenade launchers, two rocket-propelled grenades, a 9mm Ingram pistol, two cal .45 pistols and a cal .38 revolver. The surrenderees are undergoing custodial debriefing by intelligence personnel of the 51st Infantry Battalion, the Army chief said. But Al Haq said the surrenderees could be members of armed groups of politicians and other private armies. “With due respect, there are many groups out there that are armed. Definitely, no MILF members surrendered in Lanao del Norte," he said. — KBK, GMA News