MILF scores alleged govt ceasefire violations

From GMA News (Jul 26): MILF scores alleged govt ceasefire violations

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Saturday accused the government of violating a ceasefire in parts of Mindanao by making "uncoordinated movements" in two towns in Maguindanao.

In a post on its website Luwaran.com, the MILF accused the Army of making movements early morning in areas near MILF forces in Datu Unsay and Datu Saudi towns.

“This nature of uncoordinated movement can trigger untoward incident, and worst, fierce encounter between the government and MILF forces,” said Rasid Ladiasan, head of the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) Secretariat.

“Clearly any movement which are not normal administrative functions like the case that transpired early morning today in that areas constitute ceasefire violations when the CCCHs were not coordinated. The government forces know this very well but unfortunately they acted in contravention,” he added.

He said the MILF CCCH plans to "file a strong protest on this incident as the proper way to address this situation.”

But in a text message to GMA News Online, Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman for the Philippine Army's 6th Infantry Division, expressed doubts over Ladiasan's statement. 

"I hope the statement of Mr. Ladiasan is sanctioned by the MILF CCCH. [Otherwise], it constitutes a violation of the ceasefire agreement if aired in public. [He is just] the head of the MILF CCCH Secretariat and not the chairman of the committee."

Also, he said that "any unilateral statement from either the Government of the Philippines or MILF, which is not sanctioned by their respective committee, is deemed violative of the provisions of the 1997 General Agreement on the Cessation of Hositilities, specifically on the Prohibited Provocative Act clause."

The MILF's accusation came two days before President Benigno Aquino III is to deliver his State of the Nation Address in Quezon City on July 28.

Citing reports from MILF commanders, Luwaran said "hundreds" of Philippine Army troops in full battle gear and backed with several tanks moved into Barangays Kitango, Tatapan, Kitapok, Maitem, and Pagatin.

It added the government and MILF CCCHs and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) were not aware of the "provocative uncoordinated" massive deployment and movement.

“We do not want any tension or confrontational situation to grip in between MILF and government forces otherwise we are being remiss with our responsibility,” Ladiasan said.

He appealed to the government to enhance coordination especially at this time, when the government and MILF are confronting major challenges on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

'Forced acceptance'

Earlier, the MILF claimed the government is forcing it to accept a BBL with "limitations" so it will comply with the 1987 Constitution.

It said the submission of the proposed BBL to Congress is "slowed down by many intervening obstructions," with the review by the Office of the President taking 61 days.

"Obviously, the government peace panel line is to let the MILF accept a version of the BBL that may be constitutional but will not solve the Bangsamoro Question. On the other hand, the MILF overall objective is 'to end tyranny, restore dignity and secure a bright and prosperous future for all in the Bangsamoro Homeland. The current government proposals will not restore dignity to a people who suffered tyranny and will not secure a peaceful and prosperous future,'” it said.

But in Malacañang, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government has to make sure any law is constitutional.

"Sayang naman kung ma-challenge ito sa Supreme Court at sabihing unconstitutional dahil hindi natin na execute ang due diligence," she said on government-run dzRB radio.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/372080/news/nation/milf-scores-alleged-govt-ceasefire-violations