AFP cautions civilians vs MILF recruitment

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A top official of the military's Joint Task Force Comet (JTFC) in Sulu on Tuesday cautioned the public against the allegedly deceitful recruitment strategy being perpetrated by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). JTFC chief Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban said his office had received reports that the MILF has been pledging integration into the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to lure civilians, especially those who wish to join the military organization, into their fold. Sabban also said MILF recruiters are collecting P 2,000 from their victims as membership fee. Elsewhere in Mindanao, however, the MILF are giving an instant payment of P20,000 as initial monthly salary to anyone who joins the secessionist movement. "They were given that much when they were recruited. After that first payment they don't know when they will be paid again of their salary," Butuan-based business leaders, who requested anonymity, disclosed during the recently-concluded 17th Mindanao Business Conference (17th Minbizcon). The business leaders disclosed that those who were recruited are jobless people including farmers that were easily duped since they are not abreast of the real situation in Mindanao. They were advised to be on standby and wait for orders to report for duty, the business leaders further said. Sabban said the presence of MILF rebels in Sulu proves the veracity of the ongoing recruitment in the province. “There was none before the peace talks began in 2001," Sabban said, referring to MILF rebels in Sulu. Sabban said he sees the group’s recruitment activity as "expansion to strengthen the organization." "Now, it is clear what this expansion is for. It is a clear anticipation of some MILF members for resistance against the Philippine government," he said. He commiserated with the victims, whose desire to join the military was taken advantage of. Sabban ordered the conduct of defensive measures to disrupt the MILF recruitment activities in the island province of Sulu that comprises of 19 towns. He directed all military units in his area to launch a massive information campaign against propaganda or misinformation by the MILF. "Your AFP will not allow such a deceptive strategy to continue. The MILF must be stopped from using illusive and false promises to lure membership, while demanding money," he said. - GMANews.TV