MAGUINDANAO (Mindanao Examiner / Aug. 13, 2012) – The Philippine military said Muslim rebels have pillaged several villages in the southern province of Maguindanao where security forces are fighting to take control of towns where gunmen are holding out.
The 6th Infantry Division said members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) looted houses and murdered innocent civilians.
“BIFF is lawless, murdered and mutilated the civilians and soldiers, ransacked and burnt houses and destroyed crops,” it said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner – referring to the fighters of the BIFM, which was founded by Ameril Umra Kato, whose group broke away with the larger Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
“BIFF is a ragtag, merciless, lawless group that aimed to derail the peace process and cause havoc in communities and sow fear among the populace. Government forces are protecting the people for them to enjoy peace, tranquility and progress,” it said.
The military appealed to civilians to stay vigilant at all times and report to authorities the presence of suspicious looking people, including abandoned bags.
It said Kato, who suffered a severe stroke in the past, is no longer in command of the rebel group. “Kato cannot be in command of the BIFF. The BIFF is being manipulated by people with vested interests in derailing the ongoing peace negotiations between the Aquino government and the MILF,” the 6th Infantry Division said.
It did not identify who were behind or those who are supporting the rebels, but said the police and military will be relentless in their punitive operations against the BIFF until the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“In coordination with the Philippine National Police, we have already filed criminal charges against BIFF members involved in the atrocities. Likewise, we have a ongoing effort to identify personalities allegedly masterminding these atrocities and providing logistical support to the BIFF and to possibly file appropriate charges for their involvement,” it added.
Just this week, the military honored four soldiers who were brutally killed by rebels in the fighting. Two civilians also died after they were hit by mortar fires in the province. (With a report from Mark Navales – Mindanao Examiner)
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