Recent attacks by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao, and the Maute group in Lanao del Sur are related
.
And they're not about the failed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
Also read: Mindanao towns caught in military-armed group clashes
Intelligence and defense expert Rodolfo "Boogie" Mendoza said the attacks are test missions launched by the two to get recognition from the terror group ISIS.
"Technically, that's the best word, ISIS allies pending the formal acceptance," said Mendoza. "They are already anti-peace process noon pa. Kahit wala pang blueprint ng BBL ay meron na silang disgusto sa MILF [Moro Islamic Liberation Front]."
The Armed Forces said there's no direct link between them and ISIS as of now.
Also read: AFP confirms soldier beheaded by Maute group
The military has sent more soldiers to Maguindanao to repel BIFF attacks which have been ongoing for the past few weeks.
Additional marines and special forces troopers are now in Barangay Tee in Datu Salibo.
A medical team from the provincial government was trapped in the area when fighting erupted. Four homemade bombs exploded.
Two others were recovered just as 6th Infantry Division Chief Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan led a flag-raising ceremony in the village.
A few kilometers north, in Butig, Lanao del Sur, soldiers continue to clear the area after days of fighting with the Maute group, a small band of armed men.
Related: What we know so far about the clashes in Butig
While the village has been cleared, remnants of the group have scattered and their whereabouts are unknown.
The situation remains volatile.
After days and weeks of fighting, these armed groups still have to be totally eliminated.
"Bakit ganyan sila katibay sa logistical supplies nila? So meron silang nakukuhang funding possibly from other sources like kidnapping, command generation system, o donations," said Mendoza.
The military is unsure when the situation in these areas will return to normal, only that its peace and order mission continues to hold.
Tens of thousands of residents have fled their homes in areas affected by fighting, their lives again disrupted by gunfire and shelling.
Also read: Butig evacuees hesitant to return home
While the conflict in Mindanao has been raging for decades, many are still hoping, they would one day be able to raise their children and till their land, in peace.
http://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2016/03/04/mindanao-maute-group-biff-clashes-related.html
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.