Collaborated efforts peacefully dismantle unregistered MNLF camp in Tawi-Tawi

PAGADIAN CITY (May 18, 2021) – The Local government officials and security forces in the province of Tawi-Tawi peacefully dismantled an unregistered MNLF encampment in Tawi-Tawi on May 16, 2021.

“Establishment of unregistered camps of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is strictly prohibited so the troops of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi in coordination with local government of Tawi-Tawi and the Barangay officials of Barangay Duhol Bato, Mapun, Tawi-Tawi proceeded to Sitio Mount Leran, the area where the unregistered camp is situated, and conducted a dialogue with the inhabitants of the said camp,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

The said dialogue resulted in the voluntary dismantling of the unregistered camp by the MNLF personnel led by Mr. Akip Damli. The group also voluntarily removed their signage and MNLF flags in the vicinity.

“The negotiating team reminded the peace-inclined group that they are not allowed to hoist their flag and establish a camp in the area as this is not recognized by the military and the local government,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

The group was further reminded to avoid doing things that might violate the peace agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MNLF.

It can be recalled that Mapun residents previously reported that the group of Damli Akip was conducting extortion activities in the area. However, through a dialogue with said group and coordination with BLGU, said illicit activities were stopped.

“Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi is in full support of the peace initiatives of the government towards peace-inclined groups. So far, this is the third MNLF that was dismantled in Tawi-Tawi through the efforts of local government units and the security forces,” said Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi.

“That is the beauty of good governance and the active participation of the locals. Small problems are easily and peacefully resolved through the interagency collaboration and cooperation,” Brig. Gen. Rojas added.

The first camp situated in Barangay Lakit-Lakit, Bongao was dismantled in March 2021 through the efforts of the military and Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael Sali while the second camp in Saluag, Sitangkai was dismantled last month (April).

“We ensure that the peace agreement between the government and the MNLF is implemented in accordance with the Implementing Guidelines, Rules, and Regulations (IGRR). We will continue to implement and support government programs here in Tawi-Tawi. More importantly, I thank the support of the  local government of Tawi-Tawi and the communities in sustaining the peace,” Brig. Gen. Rojas concluded.(By JONG CADION with repots and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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