COTABATO CITY, 9 July 2004 — North Cotabato Gov. Emmanuel Pi?ol yesterday said the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) should not be alarmed by the coming of American soldiers in the southern province because they will be there for a “joint training exercise” with local troops.
Talking on DXMY radio station, Pi?ol said the Balikatan exercises to be held in Carmen town is aimed to upgrade the skills and capability of local troops in dealing with terrorism.
The will be confined at the headquarters of Philippine Army’s 602nd Brigade with elements of 39th IB and 40th IB as participants and about a platoon of US soldiers trained on terrorism and counter-terrorism, he said.
Under this arrangement pursuit operations against suspected criminals are not allowed, said Pi?ol, who had earlier worried that the exercises might scuttle the prevailing peace since the government and MILF signed a cease-fire agreement last year.
“Also not allowed is the use of heavy weapons such as tanks and aircraft and others, as what they did in Basilan and Zamboanga,” Pi?ol added.
The “joint training” are to be held from July 26 to August 14, officials said.
During the Balikatan exercises in Basilan and Zamboanga Peninsula from 2002, troops were doing actual pursuit operations against suspected Abu Sayyaf fighters using all available armaments.
Pi?ol said the exercises will also include a medical mission in the town’s poor communities.
MILF officials had earlier said they were not worried as long as the government is limited coordinate
The Defense of National Department has also promised that the separatists will be formally notified of the planned exercises through the Manila-MILF joint coordinating committee on cease-fire.
