4 MILF fighters killed in military-ASG clashes

From ABS-CBN (Apr 14): 4 MILF fighters killed in military-ASG clashes

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) First Vice Chairman for Political Affairs Ghazali Jaafar on Monday said 4 MILF fighters were among those killed in the clashes between the military and the Abu Sayyaf Group in Tipo-tipo, Basilan.

Jaafar said the MILF central committee has yet to determine how and why their fighters in Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-tipo were among those attacked by the military.

"Hindi namin alam paanong nadamay ang mga BIAF eh malayong-malayo naman yung kampo ng MILF-BIAF (Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces) sa lugar na kinaroroonan ng mga Abu Sayyaf," he said.

He said a contingent of the MILF-BIAF only retaliated against government troops after they were attacked.

"Nagkaroon ng engkwentro, wala silang nagawa kaya lumaban sila," he said.

Jaafar, however, believes the incident will not affect the current peace talks.

He said they are hoping this will serve as a lesson to the government troops when launching any law enforcement operations.

"Dapat sa susunod, maging maingat na sila...alamin nila kung sino ang inaatake nila... Sana magsilbi itong aral sa kanila lalo pa't may ceasefire agreement tayo."

"Sa tingin ko hindi naman ito makakaapekto ng malaki sa peace talks, pero dapat hindi na ito maulit," he said.

Jaafar said the MILF will hold its own investigation into the incident.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/04/14/14/4-milf-fighters-killed-military-asg-clashes