MILF recruiting outside South?

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has been recruiting prospective members outside of mainland Mindanao, a lawmaker said yesterday.

Sulu Rep. Hussin Amin, chairman of the House peace and reconciliation committee, said reports showed that the MILF is also recruiting residents from his province.

Amin said he was alarmed over this report and will bring up the issue in the coming committee hearing.

"They were recruiting not only in mainland Mindanao but also in Sulu," Amin said upon arrival from the Middle East.

According to Amin, those who were recruited from Sulu solicited money for fares to attend the training in Zamboanga del Sur and were promised jobs once the peace talks are concluded.

Amin warned that if MILF’s alleged recruitment activities are proven, it is a violation of the ceasefire agreement. — Roel Pareño