PNP denies MNLF recruitment in Rizal

by Aileen Cerrudo January 7, 2021 PNP chief PGen. Debold Sinas SA...

by Aileen Cerrudo
January 7, 2021

PNP chief PGen. Debold Sinas

SAN MATEO, Rizal - The Philippine National Police (PNP) has denied that there is a recruitment of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Rizal province.

This was after 35 individuals, allegedly affiliated with the MNLF, were arrested by authorities in Upper Barangay Guinayang in San Mateo, Rizal.



PNP chief PGen. Debold Sinas said they did not receive any new information regarding recruitments in the province.

“Wala po. Wala po. I don’t confirm it until otherwise na may mga bagong development po o bagong ebidensya. Ay wala po kaming natanggap na report doon (No [there are no recruitments]. I don’t confirm it until otherwise, there are new developments or evidence. But we haven’t received any reports),” he said.



In a phone interview, Rizal PNP Provincial Director PCol. Joseph Arguelles said the information they received after the arrest of the said individuals has, so far, prove that they are not regular members of the said group.

“Iyong affiliation with MNLF, we are still validating. Pero base sa mga information na nakukuha namin they are not regular members of the MNLF (We are still validating their affiliation with the MNLF but based on the information we have, they are not regular members of the MNLF),” he said.



Based on their investigation, Arguelles said, the arrested individuals are being used by land grabbers to protect their land.

“Nilalagay sila doon with the promise na bibigyan sila ng P300,000 after the training prior to the deployment to Mindanao. But according sa truce natin wala naman nang pwedeng maidagdag na camp ang MNLF (They are placed there with the promise they will receive P300,000 after the training prior to the deployment to Mindanao.But according to our truce, the MNLF cannot have additional camps),” he said.

The arrested individuals are headed by Lydia Panuelo and Edwin Malubay who are both retired Master Sergeant of the Philippine Air Force (PAF); and Jose Joamirmel Laroya who is an alleged member of the MNLF.

Authorities also seized several ammunitions and firearms, including various military uniforms. -AAC (with reports from lea Ylagan)