By Eugenio Lira, Jr.
Surigao
City— A brigade commander of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who is
based in Camp Arayat-Rizal, Matin-ao, Mainit, Surigao del Norte, on Tuesday has
declared neutrality vis-à-vis the ongoing war between the government and the
muslim separatist group.
Major
General Norberto Dela Peña, Jr., commander of MNLF Northern Mindanao, told
Surigao Today that MNLF forces under his command are neutral as far as the
on-going war between the government and MNLF in Zamboanga City is concerned. He
is directly under the leadership of MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari but has chosen to
be neutral.
“There’s
no reason for Surigaonons to fear or cast any doubt on my group because we’re
neutral and we will never make any adverse moves against the Philippine
government and local authorities,” said Dela Peña, commander of 2,000-strong
MNLF forces, who was recruited in 2000 under the MNLF Young Officers Union
which spearheaded livelihood activities for its members.
He
said Camp Arayat-Rizal, with more than 600 MNLF members, was established in
2001 and his members who are mostly farmers are peace-loving citizens engaged
in livelihood activities.
“We’re
non-combatants and more focused in our spiritual well-being. We’ve been
cooperative to the local government and the authorities ever since the establishment
of our MNLF camp in 2001. We’re not armed,” said the 36-year old MNLF
commander.
Superintendent
Joseph Nohara, Surigao City police chief, said he has ordered the close
monitoring of the movement of MNLF members in the city.
“We’re
stepping up our intelligence monitoring and have provided sufficient security
measures on vital government installations and private institutions by posting
uniformed personnel. We have set up checkpoints and chokepoints within the city
and have also provided police escorts to safeguard the lives of key government
officials within our area of responsibility,” Nohara stressed.
Surigao
Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SCCI) President Willie Gan said the
business sector has trust and confidence on local authorities as far as
security within Surigao City is concerned.
“But
we’re not taking chances. We’re also making our own monitoring and have
employed preventive measures to protect our businesses,” Gan concluded.
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