ZAMBOANGA CITY – A ranking military official on Friday expressed appreciation for the contribution of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in sustaining peace in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan, 1st Infantry Division assistant commander, issued the statement after an MNLF official agreed to collaborate with state security forces to sustain the peace.
“We are fortunate, that we have a president (who) understands the situation here in Mindanao. We all hoped that all his peace programs (would) be attained before his term ends,” Gaerlan said.
Abubakar Taulani, co-chairman of the MNLF’s State Revolutionary Committee, has agreed to collaborate with security forces on the ground to sustain the prosperity and development of Western Mindanao.
Gaerlan also assured support for any peace-building efforts of the MNLF in their community.
The MNLF on Thursday completed a 20-day reorientation seminar for its defense force in Barangay Napulan, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.
The seminar, which aimed to support and promote peace based on a 1996 agreement, was attended by 70 MNLF members from different barangays in Sirawai town.
Meanwhile, Sirawai Mayor Gamar Janihim said they would provide livelihood assistance to the MNLF members for them to become productive and contribute to the growing economy of the municipality.
Janihim also encouraged the MNLF members to cooperate with state security forces to prevent violent incidents and other atrocities from happening in their locality. (PNA)
Military cites MNLF contribution to peace in Zamboanga
By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.
Share