AFP welcomes return of SAF firearms

Armed Forces spokesman says the return of the weapons is a symbol of the MILF’s sincerity to the peace process

WITH the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) returning 16 firearms, taken from the fallen Special Action Force (SAF) personnel during the bloody encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday called the return of the weapons a symbol of the MILF’s sincerity to the peace process.

“The return of the 16 firearms clearly manifests the MILF’s sensitivity to public clamor to show their sincerity,” said AFP spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla.

He said that the military welcomes this move by the MILF and expressed hope that their efforts can yield more returns so as to leave no doubt on the public mind of their seriousness in achieving lasting peace in Mindanao.

“This is definitely one positive step in our arduous journey to peace. Any effort no matter how small, that we put from our end and on the side of the MILF, to silence the weapons of war in this part of our nation is already a big leap that benefits everyone not only in Mindanao but the whole country,” Padilla said.

Among those present during the turnover ceremony at the Camp Brig. Gen. Gonzalo Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao were government peace negotiating panel chairperson Miriam Coronel Ferrer and AFP Chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr.

Capt. Joanne Petinglay, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said the firearms were picked-up by members of the government and MILF coordinating committee on the cessation of hostilities in a remote village in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

The guns were turned over by the MILF 105th base command.

Von Al Haq, MILF military chief, confirmed the guns were recovered by MILF fighters after the clash that killed 44 SAF members in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto urged the MILF to also surrender the personal effects of slain elite cops, like cellphone, wrist watch, wedding ring, and wallet containing pictures of their loved ones.

“If the return of weapons will be done in many gives, I share the wish of our heroes’ loved ones that the next instalment will include their personal effects,” Recto said.

After the turnover of firearms, Recto said it leaves 47 - enough to arm two platoons of SAF - unaccounted for.

“There are still 139 body armors, GPS tracker units, hand grenades, and night vision goggles reported missing,” Recto said.

Recto also noted the reported loss of close to 700 magazines.