August 24, 2012 News: The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has called on the leaders of the various MNLF factions, especially the mainstream MNLF under Nur Misuari and the Muslimin Sema-led, for more constructive dialogues in the face of recent upsurge of violence initiated by the BIFM/BIFF, a breakaway group from the MILF.

“Let us work together for the collective interests of our people and treat organizational and personal benefit as mere poor second or third priority. Let us also separate ourselves from those whose motives are purely fired by vengeance and hatred, because ours have clear political agenda that do not only protect our rights but also of others.”

This was the statement of Muhammad Ameen, chair of the MILF Secretariat, in response to persistent reports that the BIFM/BIFF are getting support from some politicians and other rebel groups in Maguindanao and North Cotabato.

Ameen described the BIFM/BIFF as a force incapable of protracted warfare, citing their lack of popular support and their radical ways.

“They are now starting to kill civilians and loot their properties,” he said, adding that these are menu for terrorism.

During the harassment of an Army detachment in Pikit proper Thursday night, one civilian, a certain Anwar Langalen, was summarily executed by the BIFM/BIFF. The victim was using a hand phone when the group passed by, and for which reason they suspected him of passing information to the military.

As this developed, the MILF reiterated its call to the members of the BIFM/BIFF, who are not responsible for the upsurge of violence in Maguindanao, to return to the fold of the MILF.

Sheikh Muhammad Muntassir, chair of the MILF Da’wah Committee, told Luwaran that it is better for the BIFM members to reconsider their decision to form another organization, saying such move is a lifetime vocation and only the most dedicated and well-intentioned can endure.

“Better for them to learn from the lessons of Afghanistan, and Iraq where the extremists did not last long. Where are the extremists in Iraq; they are long gone?” he added.

He called on the group to study well the history of Islam especially how the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) scored victory over the Quraish in Mecca.

He described this victory as the result of the genius combinations of many factors, military, political, psychological, diplomatic, and people power.

“There is no shortcut to achieving victory; it is always hard and long,” he explained.