BIFF admits retreating from positions in N. Cotabato, Maguindanao as a strategy

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) admitted it retreated from its positions in the towns of Pikit in North Cotabato and Pagalungan in Maguindanao, as a strategy.

This after the military fired artillery at BIFF positions.

“It is a basic principle in the guerrilla warfare as taught by Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Tse Tung to attack when the enemy is weak and tired and to retreat if the enemy is strong,” said Abu Misri Mama, spokesperson of the BIFF.

Mama refused to divulge their present position but said their forces have divided into smaller groups and dispersed in the other towns of North Cotabato and Maguindanao.

“I do not think that this is a sign of defeat. It is only a strategy,” Mama said.

The conflict between the BIFF and the Eastern Mindanao Front of the MILF led by Jack Abbas left several fighters from both sides dead and more than 20,000 civilians displaced.

Mama earlier accused the provincial government of North Cotabato of funneling in money to support the attacks of the MILF to flush out the BIFF.

North Cotabato governor Emmylou Talino-Mendoza denied the allegations, explaining that the BIFF might have misinterpreted her delivery of government services and assistance in the communities, which included residents belonging to the MILF.

The MILF supported the explanation of Mendoza, asserting that the operations of the MILF against the BIFF were meant to suppress the recruitment of the rebel group, which included telling people not to support the peace process.

For now, the provincial governments of North Cotabato and Maguindanao are facilitating the safe return of the displaced residents to their villages.