| MILF commander: Forces won't yield until MOA talks resume |
| source : ABS-SBN news | |
| Sunday, 24 August 2008 11:57 | |
|
At the same time, the MILF sub-chief identified as "Commander Anderson" told ABS-CBN News in Lanao del Sur that the rebel group will not give up sub-commanders Bravo and Umbra Kato. Anderson, of the MILF's 116th Base Command, said they will keep on fighting unless the military stands down. "Ano kami, mga uto-uto? Na paalis mga ngipin namin? Ano nang mangyayari sa amin kung wala kaming ngipin?," he said. Anderson, an Islamic studies scholar at the Mindanao State University and a foreign student in Pakistan, once led the MILF in the military's all-out war against the secessionists in year 2000. Now, he said that the situation remains the same. He said there is no chance that the MILF will hand over Bravo and Kato, who allegedly led attacks against civilians in Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur and Sarangani provinces last week. Stand down or else In Manila, Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said that if MILF chairman Al Haj Murad is not willing to hand over Kato, Bravo and another sub-chief named Commander Pangalianare, rebel forces must stand down because government troops will enforce the law. "If Chairman Murad is not willing or capable of bringing in his three MILF commanders to answer for their terroristic acts, then he and his men must stand down as government forces enforce the law. Short of that, there will be no let up in government offensive. He said that short of the surrender, the police and the military will not stop their pursuit operations against the rebels. "The military and the police cannot suspend their law enforcement operations unless the three base commanders of the MILF are neutralized and punished in accordance with our laws for their acts of terrorism against innocent and helpless civilians," Dureza added. The press chief added that historically, the three MILF commanders have been recalcitrant despite their group's negotiations with the government. "[They] may continue their violent acts even if agreements are signed with the MILF leadership," he said. Dureza also said that if Murad wishes to return to the negotiating table, he must show he does not support criminal acts committed by his sub-commanders. He said Murad should hand over the accused to government authorities. "The inaction of the MILF leadership will be construed as its tacit approval of the criminal acts of its three commander and will be a clear proof of MILF leadership's insincerity to pursue the conclusion of the peace talks," Dureza said. Dureza said the government panel certainly wants peace negotiations "but not at the expense of the law". "We have gone a long way for peace but not at the expense of our innocent civilians who seek vindication for the violence inflicted on them by those lawless MILF groups. Our peace loving citizens expect no less. There is no all out war in Mindanao. This is waging all-out peace in Mindanao," he said. Comrades in Afghan war Meanwhile, Anderson admitted his closeness to Bravo. He said he was with the MILF sub-commander in 1982 when they fought for two years as "mujaheedins" in Afghanistan's war against Soviet forces. Anderson said the MILF will support Bravo and Kato since their surrender to the military would mean further agitate their sympathizers. "Papayag ba 'yang mga kumander na 'yan na isuko lang? Papabitay lang, ipabitay lang? Eh di ba susuko, malalakas na pwersa 'yan, may mga sympathizer pa yan... Eh maraming mga tao dyan na mag-sympathize sa kanila kahit na di MILF, maka-recruit sila sa ibang mga grupo dyan, o di mas lalaki ang gulo. He said the government should re-open talks on implementing the MOA-AD to improve the peace situation in Mindanao. "Kung 'yan ang napagkasunduan, dadaan tayo sa plebisito. Kung lalabas dyan 'no', eh wala kaming magagawa dahil ayaw ng mga tao. We have to respect the will of the people," he said, referring to the plebiscite that would decide if those villages and areas in the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity will be part of the expanded ARMM. Anderson added that he sees nothing productive in the continued clashes in Central Mindanao. "Alam mo, ah, naturally, walang tao na gusto ang gyera, nobody want to war, we know that everybody is loser in war, nobody’s winner in the war," he said. With reports from Jorge Cariño and RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News
|
Newsflash
COTABATO CITY, Philippines—The government’s plan to bring the alleged use of child warriors by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) before the United Nations would pave the way for the truth to come out, a rebel spokesperson said on Saturday. |
| Read more... |
What's New
- MILF commander: Forces won't yield until MOA talks resume
- Telcos may extend cross-network SMS promo
- Smart, Sun agree to cut cost of inter-texting to P0.50
- Typhoon "Fung Wong" intensifies and moves toward Philippine islands
- Customs won’t return rewards
- Politics as usual in Manila after Congress blast - Reuters
- Philippine Lawmaker May Have Been Target of Bombing (Update1) - Bloomberg
- Slain Muslim solon ruled with iron fist - Inquirer.net
- The Geopolitics and Economics of Burma's Military Regime, 1962-2007 - ZNet
- PNP denies that 'cash gifts' came from cop funds - GMA news.tv
Most Read Articles
- Erap’s conviction met with cold reaction in Baguio
- Comelec notes few bets listed for youth polls
- Samar gov’s trial for 8 counts of graft a go
- Siquijor gov cries discrimination, asks: Where's my cash gift?
- Davao City looms as free Wifi zone - report
- Pampanga archbishop hails Panlilio's courage, honesty
- Governor Alcantara: a true Catandungeño - Catanduanes Tribune
- Cebu’s 4th district considered in coming polls; 199 brys. in the region monitored
- Politics triumphs again - Manila Standard Today
- Slain Muslim solon ruled with iron fist - Inquirer.net
Google Search
Sponsored Links
Special Topics
Election 2007
| Qualified Party List |
| Senator List |
| Political Parties |
| Surveys |
| Interesting Opinions |
| TV ADs |
| List of Registered Party-List |
| Free Zone List |
| Stars in Politics |
| Military in Politics |
| Surveys Standings |
| OAV Watch |
The Mindanao Conflict
Govt troops capture 15 MILF rebel strongholds Thousands of troops backed by air and artillery fire have captured 15 Muslim guerrilla strongholds in the southern Philippines after five days of intense fighting, while more than 272,000 villagers...+ Full Story |
| More News |
Archive
Alexa Rank
Who's Online
We have 30 guests online
Latest Articles
- ‘Coup de chambre’ (Manila Standard Today)
- Prayer without heart (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
- COA budget dips (The Manila Times)
- House panel starts own "euro generals" probe
- Pimentel lauds SC ruling voiding cityhood status of 16 cities
- House panel adjourns, to tackle impeach complaint substance Thursday
- Employees picket NFA office to protest looming mass layoff
- Teachers march to push for P9,000 legislated wage hike
- Enrile fends off for Erap over role in Senate coup
- Proponents may challenge House panel ruling on intervention before SC
Popular Articles
- Desperate Housewives on Philippine Doctors
- Joseph Ejercito Estrada
- richardgomezsucks.blogspot.com
- NEDA invokes executive privilege on NBN papers
- Barangay, SK elections tuloy sa Okt. 29 - Comelec
- Manny Pacquiao for President
- Jose Miguel Arroyo
- Top 20 Senators - Unofficial Quickcount Results
- Anti-pardon group hits Erap
- SWS Survey March 7
Most Read Articles
- IN FOCUS: Did Nadia Montenegro leak "Gretchen-Dodie affair" to Cristy Fermin? (PEP)
- DOH expects initial results on melamine-tainted milk Wednesday
- Solon supports possible ban of Pinoys from ships crossing Somali waters
- Bill seeks to legitimize kids born out of wedlock
- Sandigan affirms suspension of COA officials in Macapagal road mess
- Trillanes seeks release of his 'pork barrel' for military hospital
- The International Criminal Court (Manila Standard Today)
- 2 sanctioned CA justices appeal SC ruling on bribery mess
- Open bicam meetings on budget to media to prevent insertions - Lacson
- PASG starts watch over Christmas 'goodies' from China