MNLF must explain conflict with Abu Sayyaf: gov't

From the Philippine Star (Feb 8): MNLF must explain conflict with Abu Sayyaf: gov't

The government will ask the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to explain its recent conflict with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu, a senior government official said here today.

Ramon Carandang, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary, said that the government is working on preventing the local civilians from harms, while the military is trying to contain the conflict in Sulu.

"The government will enforce the law once civilians affected by the ongoing fighting have been secured," he added.

"Everybody has to follow the law and the law will be enforced; but, what's the most important thing right now is for us to ensure the safety of the civilians," he said in a press briefing held on Friday.

"The most immediate danger is there will be innocent people... Later on, well deal with the issues of law enforcement and what has to be done," Mr. Carandang said.

Asked if MNLF, which forged a peace deal with the government in 1996, should have coordinated with the military in launching its attack against the Abu Sayyaf, Carandang said, President Aquino did not sanction MNLFs' Sulu operations.

A fierce fighting broke out between MNLF and ASG in Patikul, Sulu last weekend. It is reported that eight MNLF fighters were beheaded by the ASG, while 18 of the bandits were confirmed dead in the conflict.

http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2013/02/08/906574/mnlf-must-explain-conflict-abu-sayyaf-govt