Report says: Several SAF firearms returned by MILF rebels

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COTABATO CITY, Philippines – A number of weapons taken from the Fallen 44 SAF commandos were returned by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) late Tuesday afternoon.

On condition of anonymity, a source from the military told reporters from the Philippine Daily Inquirer that at least nine high-powered firearms of special forces police slain in the bloody Mamasapano encounter on January 25 were retrieved from rebels in Madia, a far-flung village in the town of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, by government officials and representatives of the MILF’s Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities, and members of the International Monitoring Team.

“We provided security to them in going to Madia. The mission was just quick. They pulled out from the area around 6:35 p.m.,” the source said.

When asked about the matter, MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal remained mum.

“I won’t talk on that matter. You can ask and get the details with the government CCCH,” Iqbal said.

However, a staff member of the Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (Opapp) confirmed that more than nine firearms had in fact by the rebels, and would be “presented tomorrow (Wednesday) to the media,” the source said on Tuesday night.