BIFF won't return SAF weapons without a rematch

From ABS-CBN (Feb 20): BIFF won't return SAF weapons without a rematch

[Radio DZMM interview with BIFF spokesman Abu Misry Mama]

The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters has no intention of returning the weapons of slain Special Action Force commandos in Mamasapano "without a rematch."

Speaking to radio DZMM, BIFF spokesman Abu Misry Mama said the SAF weapons were not "borrowed" but taken from the slain commandos.

"Yung nakuhang 10 armas, mahirap nang isauli ang armas dahil hindi namin hiniram sa kanila," he said.

"Kunwari sa boxing, knockdown yung kalaban kaya yung mga baril na nakuha namin hindi namin ibibigay hanggang may rematch."

Elements of the BIFF joined Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels in fighting SAF commandos who raided the hideout of Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25.

The encounter led to the deaths of 44 police commandos and 18 Moro rebels, sparking widespread condemnation.

The MILF has blamed lack of coordination for the encounter, saying that government forces usually give a heads-up of any law enforcement operation in MILF territory.

During the interview, the BIFF spokesman confirmed that BIFF forces recently engaged in a battle with fighters of MILF's Eastern Mindanao Front led by Commander Jack Abas.
[Video report: BIFF denies viral video came from their Camp]

Two BIFF men were killed and 7 others hurt in the encounter.

He said the BIFF is not fighting the entire MILF but just the commander, who is allegedly being supported by a local official to drive away the BIFF.

Abu said a viral video showing the killing of a SAF trooper during the Mamasapano encounter did not come from their group. "Wala kaming video na sa amin galing," he said.

He also denied that the BIFF was coddling both Marwan and Filipino terrorist Basit Usman, saying the two are not on the list of BIFF elements.

The spokesman said the BIFF does not believe that the Bangsamoro Basic Law will solve the problems of the Bangsamoro people. He said the BIFF will only join peace negotiations with the government if it leads to the establishment of a separate Islamic state or independence.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/02/20/15/biff-wont-return-saf-weapons-without-rematch