AFP ready to face members of BIFF, but asks them to join peace process

From GMA News (Mar 30): AFP ready to face members of BIFF, but asks them to join peace process

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is prepared deal with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) if the breakaway group pushes through with its violent threats, said a military spokesperson on Sunday.

However, AFP spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the group, which broke off from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in 2008, may join the process of creating their dream state, if its members choose to abandon their arms.

He was referring to the Bangsamoro Political Entity that would soon replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao as a result of the newly-signed comprehensive peace pact.

In a text message to GMA News Online, Zagala also hinted that the BIFF cannot push through with their threats of armed struggle against the current peace process.

"Currently, the BIFF is scattered and has very limited capabilities to stage significant offensives that could spoil the CAB (Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro)."

But given the BIFF's unpreparedness, Zagala said,  the AFP will remain vigilant to "prevent (the group) from doing such acts."

Also, he said clearing operations against the rebel group continue after the destruction of BIFF's camps.

BIFF's threats came a day after CAB was signed by the government and the MILF.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/354748/news/nation/afp-ready-to-face-members-of-biff-but-asks-them-to-join-peace-process