60 rebels surrender<\/p>\n
ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): At least 60 rebels surrendered
\nyesterday to military forces in the southern Philippines ahead of
\na new round of peace talks next week.<\/p>\n
Mohammad Murad, military chief of the Moslem seccesionist Moro
\nIslamic Liberation Front (MILF), said the rebels were presented
\nto Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado who was visiting an army
\ninfantry brigade in nearby South Cotabato province.<\/p>\n
Murad said the majority of those who surrendered had no choice
\nbut to give themselves up because they had been found guilty of
\ncommitting criminal offenses under the rebels' religious court.<\/p>\n
Those found guilty under the MILF's religious court are
\nusually given harsh punishments including death. Last month the
\ngroup executed a member it found guilty of killing a relative.<\/p>\n
MILF and government peace negotiators are scheduled to meet
\nfor a new round of talks beginning next week. The MILF is a
\nsplinter group from the larger Moro National Liberation Front
\nwhich signed a landmark peace accord with Manila in 1996.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/60-rebels-surrender-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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