FACT CHECK: MILF soldier detention claim is old, not recent

A claim circulating on social media alleging that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has detained 39 soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and confiscated their firearms is false, Rappler has found. The disinformation appears to be a misrepresentation of a real incident that occurred in February 2023. The false claim began spreading on platforms like Facebook around September 9, with pages like “Kakatoh Trending” labeling it as “breaking news” and garnering significant engagement. Some comments have echoed the claim, suggesting it is true. Rappler’s investigation revealed that the claim likely refers to an incident in February 2023, following an “off-limits” declaration by MILF leader Abdullah “Commander Bravo” Macapaar for certain areas in Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte. During that time, 39 soldiers from the 1st Special Forces Battalion reportedly strayed close to an MILF camp and were temporarily held. They were later released after negotiations, with officials citing a lack of coordination between the Army’s Special Forces and the MILF. Accounts spreading the false claim have been reposting a GMA News report of the 2023 incident without indicating its original date, thereby creating the impression of a recent event. The Independent Election Monitoring Center (IEMC) – BARMM stated that its initial checks with local military contacts found “no indication of a blockade, confrontation, or confiscation of firearms involving AFP and MILF personnel in Lanao del Sur.” The IEMC – BARMM, a coalition of watchdog groups accredited to monitor the Bangsamoro polls, warned that unverified reports about security incidents can heighten tensions, especially during the election period. The spread of this disinformation comes just ahead of the first-ever Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections scheduled for September 14. These elections are a milestone in the region’s journey towards self-governance following a peace agreement with the MILF. However, security concerns persist, with 108 areas classified as election areas of concern, particularly in Lanao del Sur. Rappler has previously debunked other false claims related to the BARMM and its elections, highlighting the need for vigilance against disinformation that could undermine the electoral process.