Mangudadatu condemns BIFF roadside bombings that hit civilians, non-combatants

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 21): Mangudadatu condemns BIFF roadside bombings that hit civilians, non-combatants

Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu has condemned the rash of roadside bombings in Maguinanao highways that the military blamed on outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Speaking to reporters Saturday, Mangudadatu said these acts of terrorism are against the law of Islam, against the Constitution and against humanity.

At least 11 road side bombings have been carried out by the BIFF since the Maguindanao conflict started on Feb. 5.

The military launched law enforcement operations against the BIFF because the lawless group have harassed a flood control project in Barangay Butalo, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao.

Since February, two soldiers were killed and 12 others wounded, including an Army captain. More than 25 BIFF were also killed based on miitary reports on the ground.

Mangudadatu said the project aims to prevent flooding whenever the rainy season comes.

"It's still dry season, in fact dry spell, and it is the best time to put up flood control dikes to spare communities from floods," Mangudadatu said.

"I am sad that some groups were opposed to it when in fact they, including armed group, will benefit from it," he added.

The road side bombings according to military was carried out by the BIFF to divert military attention from Datu Salibo.

Since Feb. 5, bombings attributed to the BIFF including one in Buluan town, the capital of Maguindanao, and in Datu Salibo-Datu Saudi Ampatuan highway that killed the town treasurer of Datu Salibo and his family members.

The latest roadside bombing by the BIFF, according to Capt. Joann Petinglay, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, were two incidents in a national highway in Barangay Pagangan, Aleosan, North Cotabato.

"I am appealing to the armed groups to spare the civilians, they are innocent and not a party to this conflict," he said.

Rep. Bai Sandra Sema of Maguindanao said all stakeholders should protect the gains of the government peace process in Mindanao.

In his recent visit, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Hernado Ireberri directed the 6th ID to sustain pursuit operations to protect the gains of the peace process.

Lawless elements and terrorists have no place in society.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=859320