Iqbal: AFP, PNP members sold us weapons
MANILA, Philippines - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) bought some of its weapons from members the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal revealed on Wednesday.
In an interview with the ABS-CBN News Channel, Iqbal explained where the MILF acquired its weapons.
"Tatlo ang pinanggagalingan ng armas namin - unang-una, binibili namin sa labas, sa mga gun smugglers... pangalawa, 'yung armas na binili namin, karamihan diyan nanggagaling sa Armed Forces of the Philippines at saka PNP... binenta ng tauhan ng PNP, AFP," Iqbal said.
Iqbal clarified that the MILF only bought firearms from AFP and PNP members during the term of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The MILF used to have its own firearms factory, which they abandoned after the peace agreement with the government.
"Wala na po kaming arms factory dahil po kung sakaling ipasa ang BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law), magde-decommission na po ang MILF," Iqbal explained.
Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano earlier grilled Iqbal during a Senate hearing on the Mamasapano incident over the alleged machineries and vast armaments maintained by the MILF.
READ: MILF weapons factory in Maguindanao?
The senator further accused the MILF of manufacturing high-powered firearms that were used during an encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao which led to the death of 44 police commandos.
On the other hand, the MILF chief peace negotiator refused to disclose the number of firearms that the Moro group currently possesses.
Iqbal denied allegations that the MILF has a training camp in Sulu.
"May kampo kami noon pero ngayon, wala na po kaming kampo. We already abandoned the camping system... Wala na po kaming kampo ngayon," Iqbal said.
Photos showing the alleged training and recruitment activities of the MILF in Sulu were presented during the Senate hearing on the Mamasapano clash last Tuesday.
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