Ex-members of MNLF join hunt for leaders of terror groups

Zamboanga City: Former members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have joined government troops in hunting down leaders of the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya in the island of Sulu in Mindanao, a military official said.

Maj Gen Mohammad Ben Dolorfino, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the National Capital Region, confirmed that former MNLF rebels have joined government troops in tracking down Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani and JI bombers Dulmatin and Umar Patek who are still believed to be holed up in Sulu.

Exchange

The Philippine government has a programme that offers former MNLF rebels integration in the armed forces in exchange for their surrender.

Dolorfino was in the island to escort detained MNLF founder Nur Misuari, who has registered as a voter to allow him to run for Sulu governor in next year's local elections.

"This showed the sincerity of the MNLF in helping the government neutralise the terrorists," he said.

He added the MNLF has joined military operations against the Abu Sayyaf since the Ramadan this year and vowed not to allow rebels sanctuary in any of its camps. Dolorfino debunked reports that Janjalani, Dulmatin, and Patek were able to escape government troops chasing them and are now in central Mindanao.

"Except for one commander, the high-value targets are still hiding in Sulu," he said referring to Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon who was able to slip back to Basilan.

The Abu Sayyaf is being blamed for a rash of kidnap-for-ransom activities since 2000 while the Indonesia-based JI is said to be in cahoots with Janjalani's group in terrorist attacks in the Philippines.