MILF disowns text messages warning of gov’t ‘secret war’

DAVAO CITY—The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has disowned text messages alerting people about a supposed “secret war” by the government against Muslims.

In a statement, the MILF said it never issued such a warning. The text, attributed to peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal, said the government was preparing to arrest Moros and would launch an all-out war against the MILF after trashing the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.

“Don’t believe anything in this text message… There is no truth to this,” the MILF said.

One social media user said he did not think that a Muslim was behind the text, noting spelling errors in the words “Allah” and the greeting “Assalamu Alaikum.” —Allan Nawal