Maguindanao Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu has issued a strong appeal to President Rodrigo Duterte to declare a temporary ceasefire in the military operations in his province that has caused the displacement of thousands of his constituents.
Maguindanao Representative Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu (photo courtesy of Maranao scribe Moh Saaduddin / File Photo / MANILA BULLETIN)
In a letter sent to Malacanang, Mangudadatu also urged Duterte to seek the intercession of “high ranking officials of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)” to help convince militants belonging to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to lay down their arms.
He said the MILF officials can be instrumental in calling on BIFF guerrillas to “abandon the kind of Islamic ideology they are preaching.”
“We are appealing to you Mr. President to put a halt for the meantime and request the high ranking officials of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to convince the members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters to lay down their arms or to abandon the kind of Islamic ideology they are preaching,” wrote Mangudadatu.
He added: “In this way, it will prevent further damage to crops, livestocks and loss of innocent lives.”
In his letter the former Magjindanao governor hinted that BIFF terrorists have been weakened.
“We write to you Mr. President because of the situation in our province. The continued pursuit and assault of our government forces against Islamic terrorist group have displaced thousands of Maguindanaoans, estroye dmillions worht of crops and livestocks and not to mention lost of lives of innocement who are caught in thed crossfire,” Mangudadatu, former governor of the province, appealed.
Fierce fighting between the millitary and BIFF terrorists started early this year that has resulted in numerous deaths on the government, civilian population and the BIFF.
Among those killed were foreign-looking men who fought alongside BIFF fighters, indicating that the local terrorist organization was getting international support, possibly the ISIS known for the viciousness of its members.
Clashes have been reported in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town last March that have apparently spread to other areas as the ranks of BIFF terrorists have apparently deteriorated.
Key officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have vowed to pursue the armed campaign against Islamic terrorists, saying that they will not stop until the enemy has been neutralized.
Mangudadatu stressed that his main concern is the welfare of the civilian population caught in the crossfire of the on-going battles.
Maguindanao is part of the Mindanao island that has remained under martial law for over two years now.
He said the MILF officials can be instrumental in calling on BIFF guerrillas to “abandon the kind of Islamic ideology they are preaching.”
“We are appealing to you Mr. President to put a halt for the meantime and request the high ranking officials of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to convince the members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters to lay down their arms or to abandon the kind of Islamic ideology they are preaching,” wrote Mangudadatu.
He added: “In this way, it will prevent further damage to crops, livestocks and loss of innocent lives.”
In his letter the former Magjindanao governor hinted that BIFF terrorists have been weakened.
“We write to you Mr. President because of the situation in our province. The continued pursuit and assault of our government forces against Islamic terrorist group have displaced thousands of Maguindanaoans, estroye dmillions worht of crops and livestocks and not to mention lost of lives of innocement who are caught in thed crossfire,” Mangudadatu, former governor of the province, appealed.
Fierce fighting between the millitary and BIFF terrorists started early this year that has resulted in numerous deaths on the government, civilian population and the BIFF.
Among those killed were foreign-looking men who fought alongside BIFF fighters, indicating that the local terrorist organization was getting international support, possibly the ISIS known for the viciousness of its members.
Clashes have been reported in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town last March that have apparently spread to other areas as the ranks of BIFF terrorists have apparently deteriorated.
Key officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have vowed to pursue the armed campaign against Islamic terrorists, saying that they will not stop until the enemy has been neutralized.
Mangudadatu stressed that his main concern is the welfare of the civilian population caught in the crossfire of the on-going battles.
Maguindanao is part of the Mindanao island that has remained under martial law for over two years now.
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