Balalita - http://news.balita.ph/html/article.php/20060729001434832

Saturday, July 29 2006 @ 12:14 AM BST

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has confirmed its presence in the chromite mining area in Banay-banay, Davao Oriental but denied taking over the area and the facilities of Heritage Resource and Development Corporation (HRDC).

The HRDC mining site is within their area of responsibility, MILF Davao Oriental spokesman Abul Kaire Yusop told the Philippines News Agency, adding that they are there just to maintain peace and order.

“They have received reports that some of the HRDC workers were about to sow chaos in the area for failure of the company to give their salaries,” Yusop said.

“It is our duty and responsibility to maintain peace and order in all areas under our jurisdiction. We are there just to avert the plan of some workers to create trouble since they have not received their salaries,” he added.

Yusop maintained that in line with their commitment to the government to advocate peace in their area, they decided to control the HRDC mining area but stressed it was not a takeover.

Yusop denied that the MILF had directed HRDC staff and workers to vacate their respective mining camps.

“We have asked them to just stay and continue their respective tasks but some of the mining workers preferred to leave the area since they have not received their salaries and they have to look for other means to earn a living,” the MILF commander said.

Yusop said it would be impossible for them to take over the area since they are not miners and besides, majority of the HRDC workers are Moro people who just want to earn a living.

Yusop confirmed there were about 100 armed MILF members in the area but pointed out that they are not stationed there and only pass by every now and then.

Yusop also denied reports they were requested by a high-ranking official of Banay-banay to take over the area.

“Politics has nothing to do with our duty to maintain peace and order in the area,” he stressed.

About 300 workers left the mining site when heavily armed MILF members appeared in the area last July 21. (PNA)