MNLF faction denies providing protection to Senator Dela Rosa

COTABATO CITY — A faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has moved to distance itself from Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, categorically denying that the group provides him any form of protection. The denial comes from the MNLF wing headed by former Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin Sema, who stated there is no established connection between the former Philippine National Police chief and the organization. The statement addresses widespread speculation about potential ties between Dela Rosa and figures associated with the separatist group, though the faction's leadership emphasized a lack of verified links. Dela Rosa, who served as PNP chief before his entry into the Senate, has maintained various political and personal relationships throughout his career, some of which have tangential connections to individuals within the MNLF. The clarification by Sema's faction represents an effort by the group to avoid further association with the controversial senator, even as reports of his connections to MNLF-linked personalities continue to circulate. The MNLF, which has maintained an uneasy peace in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, has been fragmented into competing factions in recent years.