The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) on Sunday condemned disinformation spread by an alleged member of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) regarding the recruitment of former MNLF members into the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“The OPAPRU vehemently denies the spread of false information, which causes anxiety and fear among the people of Zamboanga City,” the statement read.
Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., the presidential adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, said the recent claims made by Sharief Edjal S. Alimuddin were entirely false.
During a press conference on 27 February 2025, in Cabatangan, Zamboanga City, Alimuddin, who claimed to be the Governor General of the MNLF, falsely stated that former MNLF members were being recruited for the AFP.
Galvez clarified that there is no special recruitment process or reintegration program for joining the AFP or the Philippine National Police (PNP).
He said anyone wishing to join the PNP or AFP must go through the regular recruitment process, subject to established criteria and qualifications.
The OPAPRU also emphasized that such misinformation harms peace-building efforts, particularly the 1996 Final Peace Agreement.
The agency called on the public to remain cautious and avoid being influenced by misleading information.
“We urge everyone to be vigilant and not to be swayed by the promises or propaganda coming from such individuals or groups who misrepresent the interests of the MNLF, particularly those who solicit money in return for government services or positions,” the statement read.