MNLF Declares BIFF Alliance

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) declared on Tuesday they have forged alliance with the forces of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in North and South Cotabato.

This has been confirmed by an MNLF council chairman following the roadside bombing in Maguindanao on Tuesday, which the military believed to be planted the by BIFF, almost hitting military and media convoy.

MNLF Islamic Command Council chairman Habib Mujahab Hashim confirmed the said alliance, according to a report from Gma News Online.

Reports quoted Hashim saying the finalization of the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement is a sign that talks with the MNLF are now closed.

Hashim said “they closed it so there is no more point talking to the other side (MNLF) now.”

Under the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, the MILF will serve as the head of the new government in place of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Roadside Bomb

Meanwhile,a bomb exploded on Tuesday along the road in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, almost hitting the passing military and media convoy.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) called the explosion as a “desperate move” from BIFF.

Col. Edgar Gonzales said the BIFF is losing its military capability and described the act as
“a very desperate move.”

Last Saturday, an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in the town of Datu Saudi Ampatuan hurting two journalists, four civilians and six soldiers. The military claimed the BIFF was behind the attack.

The AFP announced earlier that the Maguindanao area is “under control” after they launched extensive operation against the MILF’s splinter group.

The military began its operation against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) after the finalization of the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on January 25.

Source: Gma News Online

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