Around 200 armed MILF members intercepted in Lanao del Norte

Around 200 armed members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were intercepted by the military and police in Lanao del Norte on Wednesday, authorities said.

“Our priority is to maintain peace and protect the public while supporting proper coordination with all stakeholders,” PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement on Friday.

“We encourage everyone to observe the established procedures so that legitimate movements can proceed safely and without misunderstanding,” he added.

On Wednesday, the 5th Mechanized Infantry Battalion and the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office were conducting law enforcement and checkpoint operations when they received information that MILF members were traveling to Camp Kura-Kura in Barangay Tamparan, Munai for a meeting.

“Negotiations were undertaken notifying that said MILF members cannot proceed considering the prohibition for the MILF members to bring firearms,” Army's 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade said in a separate statement.

“The MILF members under Lungga Dimaampao acknowledged the prohibition and went back to Picong, Lanao del Sur and will no longer attend the meeting,” it added.

According to the PNP, the group's prior coordination only covered their movement within Lanao del Sur and did not include their planned entry into Lanao del Norte.

Authorities reminded the MILF members that carrying firearms during such movements is prohibited.

After the negotiations, the armed MILF members agreed to return to Picong, Lanao del Sur, while five vehicles carrying unarmed civilians were allowed to proceed, according to the PNP.

The 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade said it would intensify simultaneous random checkpoint operations with the PNP, Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and other agencies for the BARMM elections.

Also, the PNP directed police units to maintain open communication with concerned groups and address security concerns through dialogue and proper coordination. — RSJ, GMA News