Military denies attacking MNLF camp

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The military branded yesterday as propaganda reports that troops attacked a Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) camp in Sulu last week to flush out Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorists.

Marine Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban, joint Task Force Comet commander, said the military has strictly adhered to the 1996 peace agreement with the MNLF.

Their target was the Abu Sayyaf and JI terrorists encamped near the MNLF area, he added.

The offensive would have been prolonged if the MNLF were hit by Wednesday’s “surgical strike” in sitio Kandilamon near sitio Marang in Barangay Kagay, Indanan town, Sabban said.

Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao lauded the military’s swift operation since it did not cause damage to civilians and their properties.

The military operation allowed the regional government to focus on its development effort which has already gained ground due to the stability in the region, he added.

Amira Lidasan, Suara Bangsamoro chair, reported that the military bombarded a camp occupied by MNLF zone leader Khaid Ajibun.

“The Suara Bangsamoro condemned the bombing launched by the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) against the MNLF camp in Sulu,” he said in a statement. – Roel Pareño