NEWS




21March
Photo courtesy from Rappler.com

MILF denounces killing of 4 soldiers in Maguindanao del Sur

COTABATO CITY – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has strongly condemned the killing of four soldiers from the Philippine Army on Sunday, allegedly carried out by the Daulah Islamiyah militant group in Barangay Tuayan, Datu Hoffer town in Maguindanao del Sur.

“We firmly condemn the act of violence, especially during the Holy Month of Ramadan, a time when we are called upon to reflect, pray, and foster peace and reconciliation,” said Mohagher Iqbal, the chairperson of the Peace Implementing Panel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Iqbal, who also serves as Member of the Bangsamoro Parliament, said, “Such acts of terror do not align with the values of Islam or the principles of peace we are steadfastly working towards in the Bangsamoro.”

“The soldiers were heading back to their patrol base after buying supplies when the perpetrators ambushed them near a residential area in Barangay Tuayan Mother,” said Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy Galido.

Iqbal gave his assurance that the MILF remains unwavering in ensuring the region’s peace, justice, and security.

“The MILF remains unwavering in ensuring the region’s peace, justice, and security.  We will continue to work closely with the Philippine government and all stakeholders to address the root causes of violence and terrorism.  Our resolve to build a peaceful and progressive Bangsamoro is stronger than ever, and we will not allow the actions of a few to undermine the hard-earned gains of the peace process,” Iqbal said.

Iqbal also reaffirmed the dedication of the MILF “to peace and development in the Bangsamoro.” 

“Through our collective efforts, we can build a brighter future for our people,” said Iqbal who, concurrently, is the Minister of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).