Jul 28, 2014

Moro: MILF Accuses Philippine Military of Violating Truce


On Saturday 26 July 2014, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) accused the Philippine military of violating the truce between the two sides.  The Philippine military is accused of undergoing uncoordinated military movements in close proximity to MILF forces in violation of the truce between the two sides.  The MILF have warned that these actions are confrontational and threaten peace in the area.

Below is an article published by: Global Post 

 

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Saturday [26 July 2014] accused the Philippine military of violating the ceasefire agreement between the government and MILF, saying that massive uncoordinated military movements in areas close to MILF forces had been found early in the morning.

The leadership of MILF, which is the largest Muslim rebel group in the Philippines, said its commanders had reported that hundreds of Philippine army troops clad in full battle gear and backed with several tanks moved into the villages of Kitango, Tatapan, Kitapok, Maitem a Ig, and Pagatin in the towns of Datu Unsay and Datu Saudi in southern Philippine province of Maguindanao.

However, the government and MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) were not aware of these provocative massive deployment and movement, it added.

"This nature of uncoordinated movement can trigger untoward incident and worst fierce encounter between the government and MILF forces," said Rasid Ladiasan, head of the MILF CCCH Secretariat.

"We do not want any tension or confrontational situation to grip in between MILF and government forces, otherwise we are remiss with our responsibility," he said.

He said any movements which are not normal administrative functions like the case that appeared in those areas constitute ceasefire violations unless the CCCH coordinates them.

He noted the government forces know this very well, "but unfortunately they acted in contravention."

Ladiasan appealed to the government to enhance coordination especially at this time when the government and MILF are confronting major challenges on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) following the review and changes made by the government review team on the law which was drafted by the MILF-led Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC).

He said the MILF CCCH will file a protest on this incident to address the situation.

Despite the signing of a comprehensive peace agreement in March this year [2014], the Philippine government and MILF are still in the peace negotiation to implement the deal.