MILF, MNLF vow to join fight vs drugs

KIDAPAWAN CITY – Commanders from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Matalam, North Cotabato vowed to help the Philippine National Police (PNP) in its campaign against illegal drugs. This was disclosed by Sr. Supt. Jonathan Tangonan, officerin-charge of the Cotabato Police Provincial Office (CPPO), said the rebel commanders manifested their support after signing a covenant with the Matalam local government and police office. Tangonan said it was Mayor Gigi Valdevieso-Catamco who called for the special meeting on Thursday among the MILF and MNLF commanders, as well as the local PNP, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) from Soccsksargen (Region 12), and the provincial police office. “These commanders said the illegal drug trade has disturbed their communities for so long. Sometimes, this caused rido or family feuds among them,” said Tangonan. (Malu Cadelina Manar)