AFP halts operations in Butig with expected start of Ramadan

From GMA News (Jun 4): AFP halts operations in Butig with expected start of Ramadan

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has temporarily halted its operations against a local terror group in Butig, Lanao del Sur to give way to the month-long Ramadan.

Col. Roseller Murillo, commander of the Philippine Army's 103rd Infantry Bridade, said that the troops will be on standby and ready to respond to any possible terror activities of the Butig-based Maute Group.

"Kung may gagawin masama man ang mga local terrorists, habang ni-respeto natin ang pagdiriwang Ramadan, ipatupad talaga ang law enforcement," he said.

The start of Ramadan would depend on the sighting of the moon, which is expected on Sunday or Monday.

Murillo said that the military will focus on rehabilitation efforts in Butig after the Ramadan to allow its residents to return to their homes.

Government forces began clearing the Butig of members of the Maute Group last May 24.

The military had claimed that more than 30 members of the group have been confirmed killed in the operations.

Murillo said the Maute Group and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Commander Janatie Mimbantas occupied the camp from February 20 until it was retaken by the military on March 1.

The military launched the "second wave" of operations after the Maute Group kidnapped and beheaded sawmill workers in April. 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/568770/news/regions/afp-halts-operations-in-butig-with-expected-start-of-ramadan