BIFM attacks meant to sabotage gov’t-MILF peace process — OPAPP

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) condemned the simultaneous attacks by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) on various military installations in Maguindanao on Sunday. In a statement released on Monday, the OPAPP said the BIFM’s “unprovoked and senseless attacks” were meant to sabotage the ongoing peace talks between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The BIFM, formerly the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, is a breakaway group of the MILF led by Ameril Umbra Kato. “This act of aggression of the BIFM is meant to derail the peace process between the government and the MILF,” OPAPP’s statement said. “We assure the public that these incidents will not affect the substantial gains that we have carefully and persistently built with our counterparts, foremost of which is the ceasefire mechanism that continues to hold on the ground and kept the peace for our communities.” “Definitely, our government forces are ready for necessary defensive actions to protect and ensure the welfare of communities should the perpetrators launch attacks again,” the statement also said. On Sunday, the BIFM attacked the municipalities of Talayan, Datu Unsay, Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao, and in Midsayap in North Cotabato, said the OPAPP. Earlier in the day, the Philippine Army said the BIFM attacked the town of Ampatuan, leaving one soldier wounded. According to Army spokesperson Major Harold Cabunoc, “hundreds” of BIFM members attacked the army detachment there. Cabunoc also said the Army is coordinating with the MILF for assistance to stop the attacks. Government and MILF panels will start the 30th Formal Exploratory Talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this week. “We remain firm in our resolve to continue engaging the MILF in the negotiation table until we are able to reach an agreement to finally resolve the conflict in Mindanao and bring peace to our people who have suffered the most,” the OPAPP said. During the 29th Formal Exploratory Talks in July also in Kuala Lumpur, government chief negotiator Marvic Leonen said peace talks between the government and the MILF are now “at the door of an agreement.” “This administration is prepared to fully invest in a harmonious working relationship between the National Government and the new autonomous political entity (NPE) to enable an autonomy that is truly viable and workable," he said. - BM, GMA News