PNP files against 4 MNLF members for rebellion and illegal recruitment

Members of  MNLF surrendered to Tigbao PNP

(Photo by JONG CADION)

By JONG CADION

Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur (September 27, 2013) -  At least 4 members of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) loyal to Misuari group are now facing charges of Violation of Article 134 and 138 of Revised Penal Code (RPC) and illegal recruitments to the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office thru Prov’l Prosecutor Victoriano B. Gonzaga after the case was filed by the newly assumed Provincial Director P/SSupt. Attorney Sofronio Palana Ecaldre of the Zamboqanga del Sur Police Provincial Office Wednesday afternoon September 25, 2013.

 

Prov’l Prosecutor Victoriano Gonzaga (left)

And (center) newly assumed Police Provincial

Director Atty. P/SSupt. Sofronio Palana Ecaldre

(Photo by JONG CADION)

The filling of the case was done after the 2 recruits MNLF member voluntary surrender to the police operatives of Tigbao Municipal Police Station last week due of fear that they might be arrested after some of their companions recruited was seen in the television among those MNLF who were surrendered and arrested in their involvement in Zamboanga City Crisis.  

Police Provincial Director P/SSupt. Ecaldre identified the 2 surrenderees as Feliciano B. Canoy and Jimmy L. Morales both Christian and residents of Purok Gumahan, Barangay Limas, Tigbao Municipality, Zamboanga del Sur.  

“The two surrenderees will become our state witness against the 4 respondents identified as Fernando Pagasian, from Tubod Lakewood, Raul Manuales of Barangay Gatob, Lakewood, Effren vinas, Laklewood and Reynaldo Quezon both Christian and a residents of Barangay Limas, Tigbao all of this province,” the Police Provincial Director said.

The witnesses said, the 4 suspects were responsible of conducting recruitment of some males mostly Christians and from Subanen Tribes from 9 municipalities of Tigbao, Kumalarang, Lakewood, Bayog, Lapuyan, San Miguel, V. Sagun, Margisatubig and Dinas of Zamboanga del Sur to joint in the MNLF armed forces with the promise that they will be paid in the amount from 10 to 30 thousand pesos and with free education for their children and livelihood.

Photos by JONG CADION-SOLAR NEWS

Both witnesses bringing with them some documents to prove that were active members of MNLF.

Based in their testimony, on September 17, 2013 both Morales and Canoy seeking the assistance of P/Senior Inspector Norbert Velonza, Municipal Police Chief of Tigbao that they were given orders by Fernando Pagasian, Brigade Commander of 2^nd Division Mobile Army of MNLF Bangsamoro Armed Forces; Raul Manuales, Deputy Brigade Commander; Efren Vinas, Intelligence Officer of the MNLF and Reynaldo Quezon also an Intelligence Officer stationed in Bayog town to report them in Zamboanga City.

Both witnesses along with some 20 to 30 members of MNLF stationed in this province were told report in Zamboanga City during one of their meetings sometimes before September 8, 2013 that their agenda was only for a peaceful rally and the announcement of proclamation of Chairman Nur Misuari becoming the president of Mindanao Republic. However, on September 10, 2013, when the armed confrontation between Government Forces and MNLF has already begun, the said local commanders and thru Reynaldo Quezon’s mobile number reiterated again the order and instructions to them to reports to Zamboanga City, the affidavits said.

The surrenderees showing their IDs to proved

their membership in the MNLF Musuari group

(Photos by JONG CADION -SOLAR NEWS)

“After satisfaction with the pieces of evidence on hand, we recommend the filing of the case for violation of Rebellion under Article 134 and 138 of RPC. As what is being so amply described by the law, the crime of Rebellion or acting it is by nature a crime of masses, of a multiple. It is a vast movement of men and a complex net of intrigues and plots,” Provincial Director Attorney Ecaldre explained.