Release of MILF members up to OPAPP - AFP

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is taking a hands-off policy on the government’s plan to release some members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who are detained for various crimes at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig.

AFP spokesman, Commodore Miguel Jose Rodriguez said the military is leaving it up to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to study the merits of the request of the MILF leadership for the release their 26 detained colleagues.

“I think this is a confidence-building measure. We are confident that both sides are actually moving for the attainment of peace,” Rodriguez said.

He said the AFP has no authority to speak on the issue, adding they will support whatever will be the decision of the OPAPP.

Military officers assigned in Mindanao when the MILF’s 105th Base Command headed by MILF commander Umbra Kato and Aleem Solaiman Pangalian, alias Commander Bravo, launched attacks on civilian communities in North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte said they hope the MILF rebels to be released will not return to their old ways.

“That’s part of the entire process. I, for one, could only say that for as long as the MILF leadership is sincere in bringing peace to Mindanao, I don’t have any problem with that,” a middle-grade officer formerly involved in the hunt and arrest of some MILF renegades said.

Based on the MILF’s request through the OPAPP, it was learned the Department of Justice (DOJ) has already completed reviewing the cases of 10 of the 26 detainees.

The DOJ has yet to review the illegal possession of firearms and explosives charges filed against Ramon Guerra, tagged as a bomb guru who trained MILF recruits in explosive and demolition operations by the authorities.

Guerra is also being suspected as having a direct link with the regional terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah as well as the global al-Qeada terror network.

The military said that Guerra is now suffering from  a heart ailment and at one time was even confined at the Veterans Medical Center based on the recommendation hospital authorities from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).