Moro rebs, soldiers clash in Maguindanao despite ‘markers’

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines—Soldiers and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels clashed in Maguindanao on Thursday, sources said.

Shallom Fatima Pir Allian, program manager of Nisa Ul Haqq Bangsamoro, said the clash took place in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town.

Allian said the encounter started at 6 a.m. and occurred despite “the markers done by the CCCH (Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities) on both sides.”

The markers indicated MILF territories, she said, and “the military did not honor the markers (boundaries).”

MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal confirmed that their forces clashed with soldiers on Thursday.

“Yes, the Armed Forces of the Philippines entered the area,” he said.

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), which has jurisdiction over Maguindanao, also confirmed that a clash happened there on Thursday.

However, Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., the Westmincom spokesperson, said they were not aware of any engagement with the MILF.

“We are not fighting against the MILF. Our troops are pursuing the BIFF (Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters). It’s not an ongoing clash, these are sporadic firefights,” he said.

Tan said clash on Thursday was among a series of incidents involving suspected BIFF forces in Maguindanao, which “started a few days ago.”

“In fact, one (soldier was) killed in action and four others were wounded (in these clashes). We were informed that at least 15 BIFF members were also killed last Wednesday,” he said.

Tan said the military will leave the investigation of the reported encounter between soldiers and MILF rebels to the Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities and the Adhoc Joint Action Groups.

“We don’t go inside (MILF areas) without clear coordination. We are not running after the MILF. What we are pursuing is the BIFF,” Tan added. RAM/rga

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