COTABATO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / June 15, 2012) – A former spokesman of the Muslim rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front has denied reports that he joined the Philippine Army as a spokesperson for Central Mindanao, but said he volunteered to be the military’s peace consultant in the troubled region.
Eid Kabalu, a senior member of the MILF, said he is now helping the 6th Infantry Division in its peace advocacy, despite still being a member of the country’s largest Muslim rebel group now negotiating peace with Manila.
“I am not an army spokesman, but a peace consultant for the 6th Infantry Division. We are for peace and we are one in spreading peace in this part of the country,” he told the Mindanao Examiner.
Earlier reports said Kabalu has joined the army as a spokesman for its civilian unit.
Colonel Prudencio Asto, a spokesman for the 6th Infantry Division, said Kabalu is working peace consultant for the military whose main role is to help pacify warring Muslim clans and feuding families.
“His role as a peace consultant is purely voluntary and we welcome Eid Kabalu’s help in our peace efforts in Central Mindanao,” he said in a separate interview.
He said Major General Rey Ardo, the division commander, also welcomed Kabalu’s help in promoting and spreading peace in the region.
“General Ardo is supporting Kabalu’s advocacy and his role as peace consultant will further strengthen our peace efforts, especially in pacifying warring Muslim clans, and this include feud among or between Muslim rebel groups in areas where we operate,” Asto said.
But the MILF said Kabalu’s decision ignited various reactions from rebel leaders. “There have been many negative remarks about Eid’s decision, but it is his personal decision. We have to wait for the decision of the MILF leadership about this issue,” said Von Al-Haq, the group’s spokesman.
Kabalu was removed as MILF spokesman following his secret talks with a Filipino Christian born-again group whose leader is also a politician during previous Presidential and national elections.
The MILF is fighting for self-determination in the southern Philippines and has been demanding for the establishment of a Muslim sub-state in Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner)
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