Government, MILF seal pact vs kidnaps

Partners for peace.

The government and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have forged an agreement providing for joint efforts in combating criminality, notably kidnapping in Minda-nao.

Acting Press Secretary Silvestre Afable said the accord, drawn in the form of a joint communiqué, underscored the need to "isolate and interdict" all criminal groups, "lost commands" and kidnapping syndicates operating in the South which has been rocked by violence and bombings.

The document was signed by Presidential Adviser on Special Concerns Norberto Gonzales and MILF vice chairman Al Haj Murad.

Although no mention was made about the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group which has been engaged in mass kidnapping for ransom, it was held likely that the group was a principal target of such collaboration.

"This is really a detailed agreement which binds the MILF to cooperate and coordinate whenever there are criminal elements that need to be arrested or purged from their areas," Afable said.

He added that under the pact, the military and the police will supply the MILF with names of criminals believed to be hiding in areas under its control.

Both sides will conduct joint pursuit of kidnappers and other suspected criminals who enter MILF-held territories.

The MILF has been criticized for providing refuge to criminals wanted by the law, including the Abu Sayyaf bandits who are still holding three hostages consisting of an American missionary couple and a Filipino nurse.

Afable expressed belief that the MILF wanted to end such criticisms.

The two sides also agreed to enhance communications and working relations for the successful arrest and capture of leaders and members of criminal groups.

The accord stipulated that MILF shall block the entry of criminals into MILF areas or communities, and may ask for police or military assistance.

Afable said the area of operation included the mountainous island of Basilan, considered a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf.

"This has really been a thorny problem getting the cooperation of the MILF in the interdiction of criminal elements and kidnapping syndicates," Afable said.

He pointed out that the pact does not provide for the return of the 38 MILF camps which were captured by the military during an all-out campaign two years ago.

"We do not believe this grants them status of belligerency. But for reasons of practicality, we have to define which communities they are so that we will have a basis for enforcing such an agreement," Afable said.

He also said the deal was the result of backdoor talks after peace negotiations between the two sides stalled last year.

A series of bomb explosions on Sunday and Monday in General Santos City left at least 15 people dead and scores of others wounded.

The government has signed a truce with the MILF meant to pave the way for a permanent peace agreement between them.

Military authorities estimated the MILF strength at about 12,500, while the Abu Sayyaf was said to have about 100 hardcore fighters.–Marichu Villanueva