BIFM Forces Attacks Military Installations in Mindanao

Umra Kato, BIFM Founder

Small bands of armed med led by Ustadz Carialan, Chief of Staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) attacked military installations in different areas in Maguindanao, August 5.  The attacks were made in the municipalities of Talayan, Datu Unsay, Datu Saudi Ampatuan and Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao; and in Midsayap in North Cotabato.

The Philippine government which is entering a crucial stage in the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) had already condemned the attack.


"The attacks initiated by this lawless group during Ramadhan only demonstrate their disrespect for this holy month of our Muslim faithful, and their disregard for innocent lives that can be displaced or lost during their irrational assaults," said Sec. Teresita Quintos-Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

Teresita Qunitos-Deles, OPAPP Secretary

BIFM is not part of the MILF and is not covered by the ongoing ceasefire agreement.  The BIRM is led by Ameril Umbra Kato.  Kato led the controversial assault in Mindanao during the height of the issue on the MOA-AD.  He and his followers was dissociated from the MILF who declared him as a “bougat or one who defies or does not obey an order.” Kato shortly formed his own group since then and has been pursued by the government forces for engaging in lawless actions.

"Definitely, our government forces are ready for necessary defensive actions to protect and ensure the welfare of communities should the perpetrators launch attacks again. Pursuit operations against Carialan and his men are being conducted to bring them to the bar of justice," Deles added.

Deles also said that the act is apparently done to derail the peace process between the government and the MILF. To that however, Secretary Deles reassured the public that such incidents will not affect the substantial gains of the peace process.

The Philippine Government and the MILF panels will start this week the 30th Formal Exploratory Talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  Meanwhile, PeaceTech will also be launching a Live Chat which brings the discussion to the youth sector.  The topic for their Sunday, Live Chat on August 12, 2012 from 4pm - 9pm will be, ""What should I do when someone tries to anger me; when someone tries to make me rataliate to make a situation worse?"

You can join the PeaceTech Live Chat at www.peacetech.net/chat.


Also Visit My Other Blogs | Pagod Ka Na Bang Maging si Juan? | Ordinary People, Ordinary Day |