MILF might be recruiting Abu Sayyaf members

ABU SAYYAF GROUP (Photo courtesy of the Institute for the Study of Violent Groups)

MANILA — Is the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) recruiting Abu Sayyaf members?

Sulu Gov. Abdulsakur Tan sent several photos of MILF and Abu Sayyaf men training together.

The photos were sent to Sen. Grace Poe as a proof of the governor’s claim that the MILF is recruiting Abu Sayyaf bandits. He also added that the two groups are already building up arms.

The photos, described by Poe as “provocative and inimical to the security of the people,” were allegedly taken in the town of Panglima Estino in Sulu.

The images show high-powered firearms being used during training. These activities are provocative actions, which are inimical to the security of our people. It also violates the implementing operational guidelines on the cessation of hostilities between the Philippine government and the MILF,” she said.

Poe also said that she already instructed the Office of the Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process to verify the claims.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles, however said that “violence may break out between parties if the information will be disclosed about the photos.”

“I sent the message to the member of the secretariat of the MILF to validate. These are allegations against them. Usually, with allegations like that, we always ask the MILF,” she said.