Politics · Philippines Bureau
Ex-MILF spokesman questions armed presence at group assembly
A former military spokesperson for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has criticized the group's apparent violation of the election gun ban, after heavily armed fighters attended a gathering in Maguindanao.
LSN Philippines ·
COTABATO CITY — A former official of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has raised concerns about armed members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) appearing at the group's assembly in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, potentially breaching the Commission on Elections gun ban.
The ex-military spokesperson's criticism highlights tensions within the MILF regarding compliance with electoral regulations ahead of upcoming elections. The presence of the heavily armed BIAF contingent at the gathering has drawn scrutiny from both within and outside the organization.
The incident underscores ongoing challenges in implementing election security measures in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where the MILF operates as a major political force following the 2014 peace accord with the government.
Comelec regulations strictly prohibit the display of firearms during the election period to ensure free and peaceful balloting. Violations of the gun ban can result in criminal charges and administrative sanctions.