‘Attacks’ won’t affect peace process

THE government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) assured that attacks of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) will not have an adverse effect on the peace process.

The two recently reached a significant progress and consensus during their peace exploratory talks in Malaysia.

In a report posted in the MILF website, the group said the effective ceasefire mechanisms of the GPH–MILF peace process are closely working to ensure that the skirmish will not affect the ceasefire and the peace talks.

Barely two days prior to the resumption of the four-day peace negotiations between the GPH and MILF in Kula Lumpur, Malaysia, BIFF staged attacks on military detachments in some towns of Maguindanao where thousands of residents were displaced.

Von Al Haq, spokesperson of MILF, said in a report that BIFF members are now the subject of the joint manhunt between the government soldiers and the MILF rebels.

According to Haq, under the general agreement on the cessation of hostilities, the MILF and the Philippine Army will join forces in tracking down lawless elements, kidnappers, terrorists and lawless groups found hiding or within the vicinity of MILF identified camp.

“Should the military launch offensives against BIFF, the MILF is willing to reposition its forces to avoid mis-encounter,” Haq said.