Friday, September 19, 2008 Resurgence of anti-MILF cults feared in Lanao By Ben O. Tesiorna
THE resurgence of several armed cults, who are capable of running against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, is feared to happen in the town of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte.
Mayor Bertrand Lumaque revealed that there are at least four groups in Kolambugan that are affected by the August 18 MILF raid with one leader of Pulahan having been killed by the attackers.
Other than Pulahan, cults like the STM, Highlander and Shepherd are also known to exist in Kolambugan and other neighboring towns. Lumaque said the members of these cults number to about 300.
The mayor said these groups are very much capable of arming themselves and could possibly decide to run after the MILF rebels responsible for the burning of their homes and the death of their members.
Asked if the local government supports such cults, Lumaque said they do not but they are also not preventing them from defending themselves against the MILF. He admitted that tension is still very high among residents since rumors of another MILF raid still circulate.
Despite repeated assurances from the police and the military that Kolambugan is already well-protected, Lumaque said, residents still refuse to go back to their homes especially those living in the interior barangays where MILF rebels passed by during their retreat after the raid.
Barangay Pantar residents said they have no reason to return since the MILF rebels burned down their homes of were either ransacked and riddled with bullets. Evacuees say they will just stay in evacuation centers until such time the government finish up the construction of the core houses in the relocation sites where evacuees will start their lives anew. (BOT)
