MNLF, BIFF form alliance – report

From GMA News (Feb 4): MNLF, BIFF form alliance – report

After the military began its operation in Maguindanao against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) declared they have joined forces with the latter in North and South Cotabato.

MNLF Islamic Command Council chairman Habib Mujahab Hashim confirmed the alliance, according to a report from GMA's “24 Oras” program on Tuesday.

“The closure of the tripartite talks is a signal that they are closing the talks with the MNLF, notwithstanding the fact that several provisions of the agreement had not been signed yet. They closed it so there is no more, there is no point of talking to the other side now,” Hashim said.

Hashim was referring to the finalization of the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) last January 25.

Under the agreement, the MILF will head the new government replacing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

'Desperate move'

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which had one of its convoys in Mamasapano, Maguindanao nearly hit by an explosive on Tuesday, labeled the act as a “desperate move” from BIFF sympathizers.

“Wala na nga silang military capability at the same time gusto nilang bumawi. But overall, this is a very desperate move,” Col. Edgar Gonzales said.

The AFP earlier declared the Maguindanao area under control after their widespread operation against the BIFF following the finalization of the framework agreement.

The BIFF is also suspected to have planted the improvised explosive device (IED).

Nobody was hurt during the explosion but last Saturday an IED exploded in the town of Datu Saudi Ampatuan. Twelve 12 people—two journalists, four civilians and six soldiers—were hurt.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/346990/news/nation/mnlf-biff-form-alliance-report