ILIGAN, Philippines - Nearly 100 members of the Philippines' largest Muslim rebel group have surrendered to the military following fierce air and ground assaults on their hideouts. The 97 rebels of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, including six ground commanders, were presented to Vice President Teofisto Guingona and Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes in the southern city of Iligan on Thursday. High-powered firearms, including a 50 caliber machinegun, two 40 caliber machineguns and one-rocket propelled grenade launcher, were displayed by the military on a table as the rebels pledged to follow the Philippine Constitution. "They were forced to surrender because of the ongoing offensive, and they also want to have a new lease on life," Press Undersecretary Rocky Nazareno told reporters.
| It's always pleasant to see some MILF gunnies hang it up. I doubt the campaign against them will always go quite so smoothly, though... |
But MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu told Reuters by phone:."They are fictitious MILF members." |