No violation of ceasefire with MILF–AFP exec

Government troops did not violate a ceasefire with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Mindanao as a top official said the recent movements in two Maguindanao towns were meant as preemptive moves against possible attacks from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Brig. Gen. Carlito Galvez, who leads the government side of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, said the issue had been clarified with the MILF.

“It was a show of force against the BIFF. We have talked to the MILF and we said it was not intended for them,” the official said.

Galvez issued the statement after the MILF accused government troops of violating a ceasefire in parts of Mindanao by making “uncoordinated movements” in two Maguindanao towns, Datu Unsay and Datu Saudi.

In a post on its website on Saturday, www.luwaran.com, the MILF said the military made movements early morning in areas near MILF forces.

Citing reports from MILF commanders, Luwaran said “hundreds” of Philippine Army troops in full battle gear and backed by several tanks moved into Barangays Kitango, Tatapan, Kitapok, Maitem and Pagatin.

Galvez clarified that the issue had been cleared up with the local commanders.

He said the area was near MILF-controlled areas and the movement might have been misconstrued as against the MILF.

“The intention was to reposition in case a BIFF attack should happen, and we don’t want that to happen with civilians getting involved. So what we did was a preemptive move,” Galvez said.