Military rejects off-limits declaration by MILF commander

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander has vowed to protect his communities from uncoordinated police and military movements following the deployment of government troops and armored vehicles near an MILF camp in Munay, Lanao del Norte.

Speaking in a radio interview ahead of the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections, Abdullah Macapaar, widely known as Commander Bravo, stated that army and police units have begun restricting movements in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur.

Macapaar said the group aims to avoid violence, but warned that MILF forces would defend themselves if provoked or attacked. He also expressed frustration over strict checkpoint procedures affecting his convoys.

The commander warned that he would not permit police or military personnel to enter MILF areas of responsibility without prior coordination.

He added that he could not guarantee a peaceful parliamentary election following the removal of former BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, arguing that Ebrahim should be reinstated and that the MILF should retain 41 seats in the regional parliament.

“We do not want trouble, but if provoked, it is up to Allah,” Macapaar said, claiming armored personnel carriers have been positioned near MILF camps.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) responded Tuesday, clarifying that any unilateral declaration placing MILF communities off-limits to government security forces lies outside the legal mandate of the military and the Philippine National Police.

WestMinCom acting commander Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimiro R. Cagara said in a statement that the military continues to respect established guidelines for mutual understanding between the government and the MILF, including protocols governing movements near MILF areas.

The military’s response follows an incident in which a 28-vehicle convoy traveling to Camp Bilal in Munay was turned back at a joint police and military checkpoint due to a lack of proper coordination with local officials and military commanders.