Thursday, September 29, 2005
7 more MILF men surrender: Army
SEVEN more members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) yielded before authorities Tuesday following the surrender of 16 MILF rebels in Cotabato last week, said Chief of the Army's 602nd Infantry Brigade Colonel Ruperto Pabustan Wednesday.
Pabustan identified the rebel returnees as MILF commander Maguid Salasal of the 6th Lower Command, 108th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, and William Salasal, Esmael Manalundong, Khoy Salasal, Nasser Abas, Murshid Bacolodan and Thoks Israel.
Pabustan said the surrenderees are based at Sitio Kalimoknan, Barangay Salama in Banisilan, North Cotabato.
The rebels also turned over three M16 rifles, two Garand rifles, one M79, and one caliber 45 pistol.
Last week, 16 rebels also surrendered to the military in Carmen, North Cotabato after years of fighting the government.
It was learned that since January, a total of 131 MILF rebels have surrendered to the 602nd Brigade.
Meanwhile, MILF spokesperson Eid Kabalu denied the military claims saying the surrenderees were not legitimate members of the MILF.
But Pabustan insisted the surrenderees are legitimate MILF members and instead described the reaction of Kabalu as "normal". (BOT with Peng Aliño)
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (September 29, 2005 issue)
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