Misuari ‘recruiting’ men wearing MILF uniforms

MANILA, Philippines - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) accused former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari Tuesday of recruiting men for a "regional security force" but having them wear MILF uniforms. A statement on the MILF website Tuesday said Misuari is recruiting Muslims in Sulu to become members of his so-called Regional Security Force in Mindanao. "The recruits, who are mostly unschooled and aged, were assembled near the MNLF camp of Commander Khaid Ajibun at Kilometer 4, Indanan, Sulu on August 17, 2008. To the surprise of many onlookers who happened to pass by near the camp, the so-called RSF were wearing the same uniforms with that of the MILF," it said. It noted Misuari's Regional Security Force is under the supervision and control of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The MILF said some people in Sulu claim Misuari is now helping the Arroyo administration fight insurgency in Mindanao, adding the regional security force now roams around Jolo, Sulu. It said the security force members are "wearing tiger uniforms but unarmed." "With this latest development on the part of the MNLF in Sulu particularly that of Nur Misuari, the MILF is trying to reach out to them for a dialogue. The MILF said the MNLF are brothers and therefore any problem with them should be decided amicably and for higher interests of the Bangsamoro people," it said. - GMANews.TV