OPAPP warns vs terrorists' recruitment amid Marawi conflict
THE Philippine government has denied claims that it struck a deal with the Moro groups, such as the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), to integrate male civilians in Mindanao into the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said the dubious recruitment could be a work of extremists in an attempt to advance their guerilla force.
Dureza made the statement Friday night after receiving reports that around 60 "unscrupulous" individuals were encouraging civilians in Zamboanga Sibugay and in Basilan to join the military.
"It has come to our attention following two separate interceptions of about 60 persons in Zamboanga Sibugay and in Basilan a few days ago, that unscrupulous individuals are recruiting male civilians in Mindanao to be integrated into AFP using the name of MNLF and other groups. My office has received similar reports from other areas of Mindanao,” Dureza said.
"There is no ongoing integration arrangement at all between the government or any group or faction under the Peace Process. This could be a scam or a handiwork of terrorists recruiting fighters to fight the government," he added.
The military last Tuesday said 60 suspicious individuals were held for questioning after they claimed that they were members of MNLF set to undergo training for purported integration to regular force of the AFP. The MNLF, however, denied links with the said group.
The AFP said they may face appropriate charges for violation of the Revised Penal Code, in connection with the crime of rebellion.
Dureza said his warning serves as a deterrent to any covert plans of the terrorists in the southern Philippines.
"Let's wait for the results of the investigation. [It’s] still ongoing. My statement and the public knowing about their arrest, hopefully, will counter whatever plans, if any the recruiters have,” Dureza said in a text message on Saturday.
Dureza's statement came amid the ongoing fight between the security forces and Islamist fighters in strife-torn Marawi City, which prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to place Mindanao under martial rule.
On May 23, Islamic State-affiliated Maute terrorists group stormed Marawi City to carry out its plan to establish a caliphate for Southeast Asian fighters.
Duterte's proclamation of martial law in the besieged Mindanao is effective until December 31, 2017, to completely quell the rebellion.
On Friday, AFP spokesperson Brigadier General Restituto Padilla Jr. said only 60 terrorists were still holed up in Marawi City.
Padilla said the security troops continue their resolve to end the rebellion in Marawi City and prevent a spillover to other areas in Mindanao.
"Our troops are in a very high state of morale, all leaning forward to finish this operation at the soonest time possible," he said. (Ruth Abbey Gita/ SunStar Philippines)