Army files complaint before ceasefire committee over MILF violations

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Army has filed a complaint to the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for violations of the ceasefire agreement, a Radyo Inquirer 990AM report said.

Lieutenant General Arturo Ortiz, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, said that there would be a clear violation if the MILF were harboring commander Dan Asnawi, who is believed to have taken part in the killing of 19 soldiers in an ambush in Al-Barka, Basilan.

Ortiz added that if the MILF would not turnover Asnawi, the military would continue its pursuit operations and that they have advised the rebel group about this.

Meanwhile, the MILF assured the government that they were cooperating to capture the criminals.

MILF Vice-Chairman for political affairs, Ghadzali Jaafar said that they would still help the government in accordance with the peace agreement despite the rising tensions.

However, he reiterated that the case against Asnawi should go through due process. Malacanang has asked the MILF to surrender Asnawi so that peace talks could resume.