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Southeast Asia
MILF order fighters not to carry guns
2012-12-15
Philippine Muslim rebel leaders who are negotiating a peace deal with the Philippine government ordered their fighters on Friday not to wear military uniforms or carry guns in public. The order to members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was sent out following complaints that rebels were increasingly visible, wearing their camouflage uniforms and carrying firearms.

MILF spokesman Von al-Haq said the rebel leadership had acted on the complaints immediately and issued orders to the 12,000-strong rebel force. He said, "This is in order to show that the officials and men of the Bangsamoro (Filipino Muslim) armed forces are disciplined."

MILF fighters were instructed to not wear uniforms in "public places", to not make "uncoordinated movements" carrying firearms, or set up checkpoints without orders from the leadership. Von al-Haq added that some MILF fighters had been wearing military gear and carrying weapons more openly since a "framework agreement" between the government and rebels in October.
Posted by:ryuge

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