A member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front patrols a village in the southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 11, 2012) – The Philippines’ largest Muslim rebel group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, has warned Muslims in Mindanao to report to authorities anybody who is recruiting members for the so-called Bangsamoro Police Force.
The warning came out following reports that several groups have been recruiting and collecting money from Muslims who are being lured to join the security force.
The groups were reported to be operating in Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and have been using the MILF Framework Agreement in luring their victims.
The accord, which signed recently by the MILF and the Aquino government, would create the Bangsamoro autonomous region that would replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao which is composed of the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, and cities of Marawi and Lamitan.
The syndicates were collecting P2,500 from each applicant to the police force. It was not immediately known how many people were duped by the groups or who were behind them.
The MILF is fighting for self-determination and is currently negotiating peace with Manila. (Mindanao Examiner)
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