ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat, 30 June — The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) yesterday denied reports that its forces were opposing the transfer of the police chief in Sultan Kudarat province.
MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu stressed that they have nothing to do with the Philippine National Police (PNP) or to the Philippine government for that matter.
He also reiterated the Front’s existing policy of not interfering in matters considered domestic affairs of others.
There were reports that MILF officials were backing up Abubakar Mangelen, who was order relieved by Chief Supt. Bartolome Baluyot, the regional police chief for Central Mindanao.
Baluyot told Mangelen to relinquish his position as part of a nationwide police revamp but the officer rejected the order.
Mangelen argued that the order was illegal as it did not have the clearance of PNP Director-General Leandro Mendoza.
Moreover, he said, it violates a Commission on Election order prohibiting movement of government personnel within 30 days before and after the July 15, 2002 scheduled Barangay Elections nationwide.
He further pointed out that the reason for his relief was not stated in the order.
Instead of complying with the relief order, Mangelen blocked the main gate of the PNP provincial headquarters in Isulan town, where a turnover ceremony was scheduled yesterday.
He also ordered his men to go into full battle gear and get ready to fight should the ordered takeover push through.
The conflict between Mangelen and Baluyot reportedly started when Baluyot intervened in the outcome of an investigation conducted by the PNP Regional Inspectorate Services (RIS), which ruled that Mangelen was guilty of a violation that have not been publicly disclosed.
Mangelen had contested a suspension order against him in court.
