THE Department of National Defense yesterday welcomed a memorandum issued by an official of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) warning members of ouster from the organization if they engage in activities that disrupt peace and order.
“The directive manifests the commitment of the MILF leadership to upholding and sustaining the Bangsamoro peace process and its attendant mechanisms,” said DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong.
The memorandum was issued last month by Sammy al Mansoor, chief of staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, the armed wing of the MILF.
It warned MILF members against engaging in activities that disturb peace and order, including “rido” or clan war, and political rivalries.
The memorandum said MILF members found guilty of engaging in such activities will mean automatic termination from the roster of the BIAF-MILF.
Some MILF members have been linked to rido incidents in the past years, leading to deaths.
The MILF signed a peace agreement with the government in March 2014.
“This move by the BIAF-MILF likewise allows the security sector to stay on track in the implementation of peace and development programs, especially in Mindanao,” Andolong said of the MILF memorandum.
Andolong reiterated the DND’s commitment to attaining peace in Mindanao.
“Together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and all our partners, the Department continues to collaborate with and support the Bangsamoro Government in attaining and maintaining genuine and lasting peace in the region,” said Andolong.
