The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) accused the government of violating a ceasefire agreement after hundreds of soldiers clad in full battle gear and backed with several tanks were deployed to the villages of Kitango, Tatapan, Kitapok, Maitem a Ig, and Pagatin in the towns of Datu Unsay and Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao.
MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) chairman Rasid Ladiasan said the massive uncoordinated military movements in areas close to MILF forces can trigger further skirmishes.
“This nature of uncoordinated movement can trigger untoward incident and worst fierce encounter between the government and MILF forces,” Ladiasan said. He added that a “strong protest” is already being prepared by the MILF.
“We do not want any tension or confrontational situation to grip in between MILF and government forces otherwise we are being remiss with our responsibility,” Ladiasan said in a statement posted on the MILF website.
He stressed that coordination is crucial at this time given the challenges the two parties are facing with the delays in the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
“Clearly, any movement which are not normal administrative functions like the case that transpired early morning today in that areas constitute ceasefire violations when the CCCHs were not coordinated. The government forces know this very well but unfortunately they acted in contravention,” Ladiasan said.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Carlito Galvez, head of the CCCH on the government’s side, said the issue has already been clarified with the MILF.
Galvez clarified that the show of force was meant for the breakaway group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. He said the move was meant to pre-empt attacks that the group may launch in time for President Aquino’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).
“The intention is just to reposition (troops) to prevent the BIFF from attacking,” he explained.
