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Sunday, August 17, 2008
Troops to stay in N. Cotabato: AFP chief
MANILA -- Armed Forces Chief Alexander Yano said government troops will remain in North Cotabato villages recently abandoned by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels until threats from the secessionists are no longer present.
"They will be there in the communities as long as necessary. We (Armed Forces) have that commitment to the residents of the areas that our troops will be there to protect these communities," said Yano, referring to the 15 liberated barangays.
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About 800 rebels from the MILF's 105th Base Command under Commander Umbra Kato began occupying the barangays on July 1, causing about 160,000 residents to flee their homes out of fear from rebel atrocities like looting of their properties and arson.
Yano ordered an offensive on August 10 against the rebels who have defied a 24-hour ultimatum that lapsed two days earlier. Subsequently, fighting resulted in the death of at least two soldiers and injuring of 12 others. The MILF, on the other hand, had at least 31 deaths.
The villages were cleared of rebels and of landmines and booby traps left behind by the rebels before withdrawing, paving the return of the displaced residents to their communities.
"We will continue to enforce the law (in the barangays) against any encroachments on areas or illegal occupation of lands or communities of the rightful owners. Definitely, if there are violations of law, then we have to deal with them just like any other law enforcement functions," said Yano.
Yano added that the concluded operations were not aimed against the MILF as an organization but against the group of Kato who have violated the law and committed crimes against the civilians. The government and the MILF are negotiating for a peace accord.
"We were only enforcing the law against plain criminals, those from the 105th Base Command under Umbra Kato and it is not intended or targeted against the MILF as an organization. It was plain and simple enforcement of the law which could be done not just to the MILF but to any group who violate the law and criminals for that matter," said the military chief.
When asked if the military has pinpointed the current exact location of Kato, whose group has reportedly retreated to Maguindanao, Yano said: "I'm sure the troops on the ground (are aware) but that's part of the operational mission that they have to undertake." (VR/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star General Santos. (August 17, 2008 issue)
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War-shocked villagers fear home