Ailing Moro rebel leader seeks safe-conduct pass

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A military official admitted yesterday that an ailing leader of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces in Lanao del Norte has sent feelers to avail himself of a safe-conduct pass to be able to seek treatment.

"But we have not yet received his official letter or intermediary for this," said Maj. Gen. Cristolito Balaoing, commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division.

He was referring to Abdurahman Macapaar, alias Commander Bravo, who led the siege on the townhall of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte on March 16, 2000.

Macapaar also led the attacks on the towns of Kolambugan and Maigo last April.

According to an intelligence report, Macapaar was wounded in the leg during the offensive that the Armed Forces launched following the Kauswagan attack.

The report said the wound has not healed, thus affecting the health of Macapaar, who is said to be also suffering from sporadic stomach aches.

Balaoing said they would evaluate Macapaar’s request if he sends one.

But he said that Macapaar is "very cunning." "So whoever he will send to negotiate for his safe-conduct pass, we must be very careful and treat him with equal cunning," he added.

Balaoing, however, denied a report that the ailing Macapaar is negotiating for his surrender to the military.

"We have heard that report for so long already but until now nothing is happening to confirm it," he said.