MILF: Moro violence rises due to BBL failure, ISIS

From the Daily Tribune (Mar 7): MILF: Moro violence rises due to BBL failure, ISIS

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has admitted the rise in extremism in Mindanao due to the deceptive policies of government against Moros, including the non-passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), and the influence of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) to Muslim youth.

While claiming it has prevailed over in controlling the emotions of Moros who were disappointed with the “death” of BBL, the MILF said that security situation in southern Philippines is not stable.

The MILF, in its Web site, stressed that it was hard-pressed and battered from all sides following the non-passage of BBL despite the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) with the Aquino administration.

“But the maturity, experience and wisdom of the MILF leadership have prevailed over the sudden upsurge of emotions, which is natural and a valid feeling. Any member or official of the MILF who is not offended by the non-passage of the BBL does not deserve to be part of it,” the MILF said.

“But as of date, the peace and order situation in many parts of Mindanao has not yet stabilized completely,” it added.

The MILF, however, denied any involvement in the recent skirmishes between armed men and government security forces — particularly in Butig, Lanao del Sur and Palembang, Sultan Kudarat which are both know operational areas of the secessionist group.

The MILF stressed it remained committed to the peace process and pointed to the terrorist Abu Sayyaf and its breakaway group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) as involved in the clashes.

The group, however, admitted that there are clear indications of rising extremism in Mindanao.

“Complicating the situation is the rise of extremism, mainly fueled by the common belief that government has always adopted deceptive policies vis-a-vis Moros and the influence of the ISIS, is clearly visible especially among the young generations, who are naturally idealistic, adventurous, and bold and daring,” the MILF said.

Last week, Saudi diplomat Sheikh Turki Assaegh and world renowned lecturer Dr. Aidh Al-Qarni were attacked by gunmen after meeting with ulama or Muslim religious leaders at the Mindanao State University in Zamboanga City.

Both Assaegh and Al-Qarni sustained gunshot wounds but were now recuperating.
Prior to the shooting incident, there were reports that there are ongoing recruitment activities of ISIS-inspired groups at MSU.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has repeatedly denied the existence of ISIS militants in Mindanao or elsewhere in the country. The military, however, said there are groups that want to be identified with ISIS.

“The truth is that as long as there is no just and genuine solution to the conflict in Mindanao, there will always be unpeace in this region,” the MILF said.

“On the part of the MILF, we will always ask and tell the government to comply with its obligation by passing a law faithful to the FAB and CAB,” it added.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/milf-moro-violence-rises-due-to-bbl-failure-isis