MILF appoints new spokesman to replace Kabalu

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has appointed a new spokesperson to replace Eid Kabalu, who was suspended for violating the group's policy against engagement in partisan politics prior to the May 10 elections.

The group said Monday that Von Al-Haq would act as the MILF's new spokesperson for military affairs.

"As military spokesman, he is only authorized to speak on military matters particularly operational or tactical, but is largely restricted to deal on policies of the MILF including substantive issues related to the GRP-MILF peace process," the MILF said on its website.

Al-Haq, a senior member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces' general staff, would start this Wednesday, May 26. He used to head the MILF's Committee on Cessation of Hostilities.

Last April, the group suspended Kabalu for six months over what it called serious breach of the “hands-off" policy on Philippine elections.

Kabalu signed as a witness in the Bangon Pilipinas party's covenant to pursue a self-determined Mindanao. The party was led by evangelist and presidential candidate Eduardo Villanueva.

The party's covenant sought to establish a federal government in the country, which would include the Bangsamoro homeland in Mindanao.

But the MILF said Kabalu went beyond his official capacity that put the MILF in a negative light.

The group also voided and the transactions and commitments Kabalu signed with other parties.

Source: GMA News