Baguilat urges MNLF, MILF to help gather intelligence vs terrorism

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 8): Baguilat urges MNLF, MILF to help gather intelligence vs terrorism

Ifugao Representative Teddy  Baguilat has called on the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to help gather useful intelligence that the government can use to stop terrorism in its tracks.

Reacting to the suspected terrorist attack on Davao City over the weekend, Baguilat said he supported the Duterte administration’s quick and strong response to the cowardly act that left innocent civilians dead and wounded.

“We should all get behind the administration’s strong action against terrorism. Now is the time for unity against these atrocities,” said Baguilat.

To help prevent more attacks, Baguilat said the MNLF and MILF can provide intelligence on possible threats outside Mindanao.  “In the fight versus extremism, we are all on the same side. Everybody should get involved in keeping our country safe,” said Baguilat.

 “If there are indeed suicide bombers or threats in Metro Manila, what is needed more than military response is precise and prompt intelligence, which the MNLF and MILF can perhaps provide.”

“In the long run, we all want to eradicate extremism. If they intend to govern their own land, the Bangsamoro, they could sart by eliminating future threats such as extremist forces. The MNLF and MILF can work together this way for the long term welfare of our country,” he  added.

Baguilat was one of the legislators in the 16th Congress who vigorously supported the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. He said he would continue to support such a law in the current Congress.

“I still believe in the cause of peace and development in Muslim Mindanao, a cause that I share with the President. I therefore appeal to these two groups for help in providing any intelligence that they may have. We are in this cause of keeping the country safe together,” he said. (PIA/Congressional Office)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/161473242699/baguilat-urges-mnlf-milf-to-help-gather-intelligence-vs-terrorism