MILF questions members' inclusion in DILG list of ARMM OIC prospects

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front is questioning the inclusion of some of its members in the list of prospective officers-in-charge of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), saying their names may have been added without their knowledge. In an article posted on its website, the MILF noted the nominees included two top officials of its Central Committee and two members of its peace panel. "As a matter of policy, the MILF does not accept nor recognize the ARMM. As such, it is highly improbable for members of the top leadership and the peace panel to aspire to accept the appointment of President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III to serve as governor and vice governor of the ARMM," it said. "Whatever the case may be, in their statements the concerned MILF officials and panel members want to correct any misunderstanding or misinformation. The MILF officials and panel members and bona fide members of the Front have never given their permission to any entity or individuals to nominate them to any ARMM political positions," the Moro rebel group added. Not yet final Contacted by GMA News Online, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo assured the MILF the list that came out is not yet final. "We have not qualified applicants yet... Valid applications are only those which are voluntarily submitted to us." Robredo emphasized that nominations are only accepted if they have the consent of the nominees themselves. Until the initial screening is completed, Robredo said there is still "no basis for withdrawing applications at his time." However, Robredo assured the public that the government will not have partiality for one group over another. "We do not distinguish applicants based on their affiliations," he said. Robredo also said Eid Kabalu "volunteered himself" as a candidate for ARMM OIC governor. The deadline for sending applications falls on Friday, Aug. 26. DILG list The MILF officials in the DILG list included :