35 MILF members held for ceasefire violation

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Authorities have foiled an attempt by 35 armed members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to travel to Sultan Kudarat without coordinating with the joint ceasefire committee.

Supt. Jibin Bongcayao, Maguindanao police chief, said the MILF members were in separate vehicles on their way to Talitay  town when they were intercepted at a checkpoint in Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao on Monday night.

Under peace and security agreements with the government, MILF members should coordinate any activity with the joint ceasefire committee, the police and military.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th Infantry Division commader, said a team would coordinate with the International Monitoring Team and the MILF’s ceasefire committee in resolving the issue.