Campaign vs rogue MILF units to continue during Ramadan - Palace

MANILA, Philippines - Pursuit operations against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) factions under Ameril Umbra Kato and Abdullah Macapaar will continue despite the observance of the Holy month of Ramadan on September 1, Malacañang said Wednesday. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the military offensive in Mindanao will stop only if the two MILF leaders and their troops were held accountable for the atrocities they did in several towns in Central Mindanao. “Kaya naman may bakbakan (There is an offensive) because of the acts of violence, outlaw activities of Kato and Bravo (Macapaar). Our objective is to account for those who have perpetrated these violent acts,” Ermita said. Ermita gave the statement despite a call from two Mindanao congressmen - Mujiv Hataman (Anak Mindanao party-list) and Faysah Dumarpa (Lanao del Sur) – to both the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces to stop fighting in time The military launched a full-scale offensive against the MILF’s 102nd and 105th Base Command under Macapaar and Kato, respectively, last Aug. 18. The order was given shortly after Macapaar’s group attacked Iligan City and four towns in Lanao del Norte that left 28 civilians, three soldiers, and a policeman dead. Kato’s group was responsible for the occupation of 15 villages in North Cotabato early this month. Brigadier General Jorge Segovia, spokesman for the ongoing campaign, said unless ordered otherwise, they will push through with their offensive against the MILF units under Macapaar and Kato. “We will base our movements on orders,” he said. He added that it will be up to Armed Forces chief Gen. Alexander Yano whether or not to recommend a truce during the Ramadan. As Wednesday, Segovia said there were still fighting in Lanao del Norte against the group of Macapaar. The fighting that started last Monday has so far resulted in the killing of an estimated 15 rebels and wounding of five soldiers. - GMANews.TV