MILF Turns Over 9 SAF Guns to Gov’t Peace Panel

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has turned over nine assorted firearms of Fallen 44 taken by Moro rebels in the January 25 clash in Maguindanao to the government peace panel, military and government peace panel sources said Wednesday.

Capt. Joanne Petinglay, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said the firearms were picked-up by members of the government and MILF coordinating committee on the cessation of hostilities in a remote village in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

“It will be presented to the media this morning,” she said.

The guns were turned over by the MILF 105th base command.Von Al Haq, MILF military chief, confirmed the guns were recovered by MILF fighters after a day-long clash with PNP Special Action Force in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

The clash happened after the police commandos successfully killed Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan.

After the successful mission, the commandos were leaving the clash site when its back-up force clashed with combined forces of MILF guerrillas and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in a corn field in Barangay Tukanalipao.

Al Haq said the return of guns was part of confidence building between the government and the MILF.

At least 45 guns, including the firearms of PO3 Chris Lalan who miraculously survived the carnage while his companions in the back-up unit were all wiped out, remained missing and believed to be in the hands of the MILF or the BIFF. (PNA) FPV/NYP/EOF