Mindanao-based rebel group members searching for comrade in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - The police are monitoring members of a secessionist group from southern Mindanao who are reportedly in Cebu City to search for a rogue comrade.

City Intelligence Chief Romeo Santander disclosed yesterday that two members of the rebel group have been spotted in the city. They are reportedly looking for a former member who reportedly erred against the group.

Santander said they have yet to locate the whereabouts of the two men. He, however, refused to divulge the name of the group so as not to alarm the public.

Santander assured that there no direct threats from the two and that all personnel of the city police have already been alerted. 

“There are some (members) who are a threat, but we still need to validate the report,” he said.

The police are also currently coordinating with the local Muslim community to help in their investigation.

“We are still not clear of their intensions, if they need the assistance of the Philippine National Police, we are willing to help,” he said.

Santander is urging the public to be vigilant and to immediately report to authorities any unfamiliar movements.

“If they (public) could observe dubious looking people, I hope that they would not hesitate to report it to us,” he said. 

The police are also coordinating with the Armed Forces of The Philippine Central Command in sharing information about the rebels.

The group is reportedly operating in the southernmost part of Mindanao. Its members are reportedly afraid that their religious, cultural, and political traditions may be weakened or ruined because of the prevalence of Catholicism throughout the country.

They also want to protect their ancestral and communal land where they are now described as a minority after years of constant development which are reportedly limited to some, especially in Mindanao.

Several rebel groups have surrendered to the government over the years. Recently, a rebel returnee from Davao City was given financial assistance by the Provincial Capitol for returning to the government. — (FREEMAN)