The separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) yesterday bolstered claims by a southern-based priest, Cirilo Narcorda, that the military is one of the sources of arms used by the extremist Abu Sayyaf group.

In a teleconference with reporters in Manila, MILF spokesperson Eid Kabalu claimed the Abu Sayyaf group gets its firearms from "contacts" within the military. "That's a fact. The military, particularly the Southern Command, has been selling firearms to the bandits since 1992," Kabalu said.

"I don't think Father Nacorda will speak without basis. We know for a fact that they (the Abu Sayyaf) are getting firearms from the military. They buy these from the Southcom," he added.

Proof of the collusion, Kabalu said, is the use of 90 millimetre anti-tank recoilless rifles, which he claimed were exclusive to the military. Other rebel groups such as the MILF and even the communist New People's Army (NPA) use the lighter and less powerful Soviet made B-40 rocket propelled grenades.

In fact, even the MILF is also getting firearms from the military albeit through other "sources".

Kabalu, however, failed to mention specific names and other instances as "proof" that the military was indeed conspiring with the Abu Sayyaf which at present, is still holding 18 hostages in Basilan.

The military vehemently denied Kabalu's accusations, describing them as pure propaganda.