Police to probe MNLF recruitment

BACOLOD CITY: The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office said it will conduct an investigation into the alleged recruitment activities of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Cadiz City, Col. Rainerio de Chavez, provincial police director, said on Thursday.

De Chavez said that they con- ducted an initial investigation, validation and record checking on the background of the group that claimed to be a part of the MNLF.

“Our investigation showed that the Muslim group came from another barangay in Cadiz City, but they were expelled as the residents filed a petition against them,” de Chavez said, adding that the group has been in Cadiz City since 2022.

“We are looking at their reason why they are in Negros or if they are here to deceive people. Based on our records, there are no MNLF members operating in Region 6 (Western Visayas). The MNLF involved in peace talks with the government is in Mindanao.”

De Chavez, however, assured the public that Cadiz City police is on top of the situation.

“We don’t see any threat to the residents of Cadiz. In fact, they are staying in an area owned by the Philippine Bank of Commerce. The ongoing construction was not given a permit by the local government. A security officer of the bank is already in talks with the mayor,” de Chavez said.

He said people should not be alarmed.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said that while the situation is “alarming,” he said that Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. knows how to deal with it.

Earlier, Escalante said there is no cause for alarm over the reported presence of the MNLF in Barangay Tinampaan, Cadiz City.

“Cadiz remains very peaceful and there is no cause for alarm,” he assured.

Some residents of Barangay Tinampaan expressed concerns on the construction of a camp by the alleged MNLF members, who even raised a flag and set up checkpoints in the area.

The alleged MNLF men were also seen wearing military camouflage uniforms.

There were also reports that they are recruiting members, whom they promised a monthly salary of P40,000 but applicants must first pay a P10,000 recruitment fee.