MILF welcomes visiting Army commanders, staff in Maguindanao camp

Officers and staff members of the Army's 6th Infantry Division visited Camp Darapanan of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao over the weekend.

The visit was a historic event as it was the first time that the 6th ID went to the camp "in full force," according to Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force commander.

"The visit is an opportunity for us to listen with your future programs and activities in as par as the approval of the Bansamoro Organic Law," an Army statement quoted Sobejana as telling MILF chairman Al-haj Murad Ibrahim.

The visit to the MILF camp took place on August 19 and made possible by the signing of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, a product of the years-long peace negotiations between the government and the secessionist group.

Those who visited the camp were Sobejana and his brigade and battalion commanders, as well as general, personal, special and technical staff, according to the Army statement.

Sobejana said the visit — a confidence-building measure of the Joint Task Force and the MILF's Central Committee — is "a sign of commitment in pursing peace and development."

The Army statement said during the visit, Murad told the government troops to "feel free, you are safe and secured" at Camp Darapanan.

"We are embracing you in this camp with a sincere and a clean heart with a common goal," the MILF leader was quoted as saying. —KBK, GMA News