BIFM engages anew AFP, MILF

From the Mindanao Cross (Oct 27): BIFM engages anew AFP, MILF

After announcing its “retreat” order during the four holy months of Islam, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) once again engaged war against the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in two separate incidents. Forces of the MILF and BIFM clashed October 19 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in a “rido” or family feud that started five months ago, displacing 200 families in the area as a result. BIFM spokesman Abu Misri Mama said when the pump boat of MILF commander Dagadas was bombed, the BIFM was accused. Firmly denying the accusation, Mama said “commander Dagadas said it was the BIFM, but it was not us. One of our colleagues who was painting the mosque was shot by Dagadas to exact revenge.”The BIFM national committee sent Dagadas’ troop last Saturday a message to settle the issue peacefully but “Dagadas refused,” said Mama. Mama quoted Dagadas as saying “it is already hard to come up with a peaceful settlement because many of my men are already dead.”Last October 22, another troop of the BIFM clashed with the AFP soldiers at Barangay Lower Paatan in Kabacan, North Cotabato. The Alpha Company of the 7th Infantry Battalion in Kabacan was requested by farmers of Barangay Paatan after allegedly being harassed by the BIFM group. But when the authorities came, the BIFM fired hitting one militia man. Mama, on the other hand, said the area is an ancestral domain of the Bangsamoro, “it was taken by the ILAGAS (Ilonngo Land Grabbing Association) in the year 1970s.” “When the Bangsamoro finally came back to that area, this time the AFP suddenly entered, the AFP are the terrorists,” said Mama. The BIFM denied any harassment committed by their troops against civilians in Paatan, insisting that the AFP should no longer stay in the Bangsamoro land. Authorities also confirm that some residents in the area are members of the BIFM. Last week, the BIFM announced their “resting” status through The Mindanao Cross as they prepare themselves for the upcoming Holy Months of Islam which forbid Islam believers from engaging in any war.

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