MILF won't join May elections

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Wednesday reiterated its "standing policy" not to allow its leaders to participate in Philippine elections, the rebel group's Web site luwaran.com reported. The MILF said it does not allow MILF officials to campaign for any candidate, local or national, to accompany any candidate during campaign sorties, lend vehicles to any candidate for use in his or her campaign, or to ask for money from any candidate. The report quoted Muhammad Ameen, chairman of the MILF Secretariat, that the policy has been enforced since 1980 and "disciplinary actions" have been imposed on several MILF officials for violations. Ameen said at least two top MILF leaders were demoted for violating the policy. The report did not name the MILF officials. Ameen, however, said rank and file members of the MILF or those holding "minor" positions are not covered by the policy and may vote during elections. The MILF called on candidates to report any MILF member who will ask for money. GMANews.TV