Friday, August 29, 2008 MILF rues military ops during Ramadhan
THE Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rued the decision of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to continue military operations even during the observance of the holy month of Ramadhan by Muslims starting next week.
The group also accused the military of implementing food blockade to disrupt the month-long fasting. They said: "A lot of Muslims think that their rights are violated even in the basic exercise of the Islamic faith."
Khalid Musa, vice-chair of MILF committee on information, remembered the military's attack on the Buliok Complex on February 11, 2003 just as when the Muslim community were preparing for the day of sacrifice (eid-ul Adha) ending the fasting month of Ramadhan.
"By most accounts, the use of excessive force has become relentless in violation of the rules of engagements in armed conflicts contrary to the Statute of Rome. Tactically, government is no longer pursuing action in line with law enforcement or police manhunt for the two MILF commanders, but it is a very visible full-scale military offensive that violates the cease-fire agreement in place," the MILF said. (BOT)
