12 Sep MILF Supports Duterte’s Anti-Drug Campaign, Nabs 30 Suspected Drug Pushers and Users
According to a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) official, the rebel group had arrested at least 30 suspected drug pushers and users in two towns in Maguindanao since September 7, 2016, Wednesday.
The arrests were said to be in support of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, pronounced by the spokesperson of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces Von -al-Haq. He added that the BIAF which is the armed wing of the MILF was backed by the government authorities and which performed operations in Sultan Mastura and Sultan Kudarat arresting those who had been previously warned but continued in their illegal activities involving drugs. “Expect that there will be more arrests in the coming days”
In the side of the MILF, using shabu is “haram”, prohibited, as it ruins the lives and the Bangsamoro’s future. And when Duterte assumed office, the rebel group formalized an agreement with the government which would pilot the campaign for anti-illegal drugs in MILF-controlled areas. However, MILF rebels were not permitted to participate in arrests or actual antidrug operations and are only limited to sharing information which is suggested under the agreement.
Meanwhile, the MILF is not the only rebel group that conducts the anti-drug campaign. The New People’s Army (NPA) had also been reported to conduct operations, killing drug suspects in some parts of Mindanao particularly in the regions of Davao del Norte and Compostella Valley. They even abducted police officers and soldiers who are allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade, then later release them later for the sake of the peace process.
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