Miriam Coronel-Ferrer File Photo
COTABATO CITY, Philippines – The government’s chief peace negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer has lashed at peace saboteurs, particularly those belonging to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters who have been in a running gunbattle with government forces in Maguindanao in the past few days.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Ferrer recalled that in 2013, the BIFF repeatedly harassed soldiers and terrorized communities within the periphery of Maguindanao and North Cotabato by planting roadside bombs and launching sniper attacks, taking school teachers as hostages, and even beheading a civilian captive.
A few days ago, in the midst of the fighting, they commandeered a private vehicle and forcibly used it as a roadblock, she said.
Ferrer described the BIFF offensive as a provocation for the military to conduct law enforcement operation as some of BIFF members have warrants for their arrest.
“The ongoing military-police operations are geared at degrading the BIFF’s capability to continue to cause harm to government forces, civilians and the peace process,” she said.
Prior to the conduct of the operations, the ceasefire mechanisms of the GPH and the MILF have ensured the safety of civilians in surrounding areas. Relief provisions have been on standby to meet the basic needs of those who have been temporarily displaced, she said.
Government and the MILF have taken the necessary steps to ensure that the operations will not spill over to involve MILF combatants or cause unnecessary or prolonged hardship to civilians. The MILF has been assisting in the operations by helping the government contain the movements of the BIFF, Ferrer said.
“We call on the members and the leaders of the BIFF to put down their arms and be part of the process. We ask them to listen to the plea of their own brothers and sisters to give peace a chance,” she said.
Ferrer added that local government officials have been preparing to receive those who would like to silence their guns and participate in the different programs in the implementation of the peace agreements.
“We know that BIFF members can also contact supporters or local ground commanders of the MILF who could facilitate their return to normal lives. These and other avenues are open for those among the BIFF who are ready to join us in our peace efforts,” she added.