ASG refusal to release Jordanian TV journalist triggered MNLF action

From the Manila Times (Feb 10): ASG refusal to release Jordanian TV journalist triggered MNLF action

The failure—or refusal—of the Abu Sayyaf Group to fulfill their commitment (sworn to before the Holy Quran) to release the Jordanian television journalist Baker Atyani triggered the fighting between the MNLF and the terrorist kidnappers at Sangay village, Patikul, last Sunday February 3.

Respected Islamic cleric and MNLF Central Committee Secretary General Ustadz Ibrahim Murshi told The Manila Times the Hatib Ahajan and a certain Asman of the ASG had sworn by the Holy Quran to Ustadz Habier Malik, chief of the MNLF’s Asadullah National Task Force (ANTF) that they would release Atyani.

“Asadullah” which means the Lion of God is the name of the task force involved in the MNLF’s Oplan Purging for Peace, this it is called the Asadullah National Task Force.

It is composed of Bangsamoro Armed Forces belonging to all national and state commands in Lupah Sug. More than one division has been engaged in this Operation Purging for Peace.

Ustadz Murshi reiterated that the main objective of this OPP is to purge or clean up Lupah Sug or the province of Sulu from the loathsome stigmas or stains of kidnapping, drug trafficking, and other outlawed activities.

Notwithstanding the strict implementation of the OPP by the ANTF, it will still uphold the doctrine of peace and Islamic persuasion espoused by MNLF founder and Chairman Nur Misuari.

The MNLF Secretary General also emphasized that kidnapping per se is a crime against humanity that everyone must condemn.

He likewise said that the in the MNLF leadership have been emphasizing force is to be used only as a last recourse.

He said that with the ASG’s unstoppable program of criminality it is now about time to use this last recourse.

He said that although the MNLF believes that war is inhuman, barbaric and catastrophic, they have to wage an all-out war against the Abu Sayyaf now.

He said even the United States has classified ASG as terrorists. So, if only to achieve a total peace and security for the rest of the Bangsa Moro people, the work of the Abu Sayyaf bandits and kidnappers must be terminated.

http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/special-report/41195-asg-refusal-to-release-jordanian-tv-journalist-triggered-mnlf-action