February 2, 2010 – “There is no truth to the reports that wanted elements of the Civilian Volunteers Organizations (CVOs) affiliated with the Ampatuan clans had been joining the ranks of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces - Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF).”

This was the reaction of Eid Kabalu, Chairman of the Civilian-Military Relations of the General Staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF)), published reports that some 400 wanted CVOs for the alleged involvement in the massacre in Maguindanao last November 23, 2009 had already joined the 106th Base Command of the BIAF – MILF.

Kabalu categorically dismissed the reports as rumor and sheer propaganda intended to disrupt the smooth sailing of the formal negotiations between the government and MILF.

“It is not very easy to join the MILF for there are stiff policy and procedures that must be followed and it would not be that easy and even possible for the CVOs to be allowed to join the MILF,” Kabalu stressed.

He explained that there is an existing order from Brother Sammy Al Mansoor, BIAF Chief of Staff, to all BIAF commands not to provide sanctuary, mixed up and provide any assistance for the CVOs of the Ampatuans.

Kabalu added that the MILF will not commit and do anything that will only jeopardize the peace talks, ceasefire and the government suspension of military offensives (SOMO) – MILF suspension of military actions (SOMA), even as he said “The MILF is fully committed to the mutual efforts to preserve the gains achieved in the GRP – MILF peace process.”

However, he did not dismiss the possibility that the elements of CVOs could have passed by MILF areas and communities as they are very mobile and do not maintain permanent positions.

But that does not mean that they are already members of the MILF, he explained.

The GRP and MILF Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) have been maintaining good communication, coordination and even practical cooperation relative to the continuing manhunt operations of the government law enforcers against those involved the gruesome Maguindanao massacre that left 57 people brutally killed to include more than 30 journalists.

“Now if the government police and military units will conduct operations against the CVOs then the MILF is ready to coordinate efforts and cooperate as appropriate,” Kabalu assured.