Military operations vs BIFF geared at degrading renegade group's capability, Ferrer says

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30): Military operations vs BIFF geared at degrading renegade group's capability, Ferrer says

The ongoing military operations against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Central Mindanao are aimed at degrading the fighting capability of the breakaway rebel group which has repeatedly harassed government forces and civilian communities the past nine months.

This is the press statement of Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, chair of the government peace panel negotiating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), regarding the military action launched by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) against the BIFF in the towns of Datu Piang, Sharif Saydona, Sultan sa Barongis, all in Maguindanao and in Pikit, North Cotabato.

Ferrer said “the MILF is assisting in the operations by helping the government contain the movements of the BIFF.”

The AFP launched a punitive action last Monday or two days after the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF signed in Kuala Lumpur the historic Annex on Normalization and Addendum on the Bangsamoro Waters that would pave the way for the signing of a peace agreement and put an end to the more than four decades of fighting in southern Philippines.

The fighting was on its fourth day Thursday.

“Over the last nine months, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) repeatedly harassed our soldiers and terrorized local communities,” Ferrer said.

She also said the BIFF “planted roadside bombs, sniped at our soldiers, took school teachers as hostages, and in one instance, even beheaded a civilian captive.”

“A few days ago, in the midst of the fighting, they commandeered a private vehicle and forcibly used it as a roadblock,” Ferrer said.

“The ongoing military operations are geared at degrading the BIFF’s capability to continue to cause harm to the government forces, civilians and the peace process,” Ferrer pointed out defending the action undertaken by the AFP.

Prior to the operations, the safety ceasefire mechanisms of the GPH and the MILF have ensured the safety of civilians in surrounding areas.

Ferrer also said the government has readied relief provisions to meet the basic needs of those who have been temporarily displaced.

At the same time, he said “government and the MILF have taken the necessary steps to ensure that the operations will not spill over to involve MILF combatants or cause unnecessary or prolonged hardship to civilians.”

Ferrer also called on the members and the leaders of the BIFF to put down their arms and be part of the peace process that would end the decades of war in Mindanao.

“We ask them to listen to the plea of their own brothers and sisters to give peace a chance,” she echoed.

Ferrer said “local government officials are ready to receive those who would like to silence their guns and participate in the different programs we will be undertaking as part of the implementation of the peace agreements.”

“We know that BIFF members can also contact supporters or local ground commanders of the MILF who could facilitate their return to normal lives,” she said, adding that “these and other avenues are open for those among the BIFF who are ready to join us in our peace efforts.”

The ongoing fighting has killed 40 BIFF rebels while government forces suffered one killed in action and 13 wounded during the past four days.

The AFP has denounced the BIFF for recruiting child warriors which is prohibited by the United Nations (UN).

Reports said some of the slain BIFF were young children aged 14 to 17 years.

The military operation has resulted in the capture of three BIFF strongholds during the past four days.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611264