Sulu governor wary of MNLF troop movements; BIFM denies any plot to disrupt Bangsamoro roadmap

From InterAksyon (Oct 12): Sulu governor wary of MNLF troop movements; BIFM denies any plot to disrupt Bangsamoro roadmap

Troop movements among members of the Moro National Liberation Front have been taking place in Sulu amid the MNLF's protest over the framework agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), according to provincial governor Abdusakur Tan. “MNLF Commanders are making their rounds in some parts of Sulu, I was able to talk to them and sinabi ko na pagbigyan nila tayo tungo sa kapayapaan [and I told them to give us a chance for peace]. I also sent word to my brother Chairman Nur Misuari and done of these days, mag-uusap kami [we will talk],” Tan said in a recent statement. Tan added that he had sent word to Misuari to calmly resolve any misunderstanding for "genuine peace in Sulu and the whole of Mindanao." Despite the movements, no untoward incident has occurred in Sulu, according to Tan....

.... Meanwhile the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement belied government intelligence reports suggesting that the BIFM - a splinter group from the MILF - is plotting to sow disorder and disrupt the agreement between the government and the MILF for the creation of a Bangsamoro autonomous entity. BIFM spokesperson Abu Misri Mimi said his organization respects the pact between the government and the MILF. He said the BIFM would have nothing to lose if the agreement proves to be the answer to their long-awaited dream of having an "independent" Bangsamoro state. But Misri was quick to add that while the BIFM respects the agreement, it doesn't necessarily mean that the group would lay down its arms. The BIFM spokesperson said the group would only stop their armed struggle if it is convinced that Bangsamoro has indeed gained independence and that it has its own laws based on the Koran, the sacred writings of the Islam. For now, the BIFM said it will keep an eye on the developments in the framework agreement between the MILF and the government.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45378/sulu-governor-wary-of-mnlf-troop-movements-bifm-denies-any-plot-to-disrupt-bangsamoro-roadmap