MNLF in Lapu-Lapu? Radaza asks residents to report “new faces”

CEBU, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza has urged the public to report "new faces" that act suspiciously in their barangays, following reports of an alleged presence of a rebel group in Barangay Basak.

Her statement came after the city received information about the alleged presence of the members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

The group is reportedly called Camp Ameerbahr Rajah.

However, barangay officials denied the report.

"Ato na gipa-investigate. Di man ni komedya-komedya," Radaza told reporters in yesterday's news conference.

She already instructed the barangay officials, especially in Basak and in Pajac, to be vigilant and to keep track of those people new to their area.

The barangay constituents are also encouraged to report if they find individuals acting suspiciously around their place.

She added that the alleged pieces of information may be because of the previous police encounter in which seven people died in Barangay Pajac.

"I think this one, murag na- connect ba right after sa katong dunay namatay nga seven kabuok. Told the police nga di ra ni ingon nga di nato i seryoso, they have to check on this," she added.

To recall, at least seven persons, allegedly armed, died during a police operation of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office-City Intelligence Branch (LCPO-CIB) in coordination with police stations in Barangay Pajac last September 26.

LCPO Director Limuel Obon, however, dismissed and denied the reports about the rebel group.

“There was no rebel group found under their radar, only Muslim communities are living peacefully in those areas,” Obon said.

Radaza said the police have been vigilant in terms of this situation and that they have been coordinating with various groups in maintaining the peace and order in the area. — GAN (FREEMAN)