PNP discovers MILF terror plot

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is planning to stage terrorist bombing attacks in Metro Manila and key sites in Mindanao if they fail to get what they want in the ongoing peace talks, according to a police intelligence report.

The report, dated Jan. 8, said the terror plot was hatched during a meeting of senior MILF commanders called by MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar at his home at Barangay Crossing in Simuay town, Sultan Kudarat.

The meeting, held in the morning of Jan. 2, was attended by MILF bombing specialists Abukir Arba alias Kagui Bok, and four other rebel leaders, identified only as Baesco, Hadji Ahmad, Omar Buga and Dani, the report said.

The attacks would supposedly be launched if the ongoing peace talks, the third round of which is expected this month, fail or if the military attacks MILF-controlled areas, the report added.

However, such bombing attacks would be construed as a violation of the ceasefire agreement which the government and the MILF signed in Putrajaya, Malaysia on Aug. 7 during President Arroyo’s visit to Malaysia.

The documents were signed by MILF vice chairman for military affairs Murad Ibrahim and presidential adviser for Mindanao Jesus Dureza, the chief government negotiator.

The agreement filled in the details of a broader pact reached in June in Libya bringing the MILF to terms with Manila, following the larger Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which made peace in 1996 in exchange for Muslim self-rule in Mindanao.

The first round of talks were held on the first week of September and dealt with economic development in Mindanao which has been ravaged by war for most of the past three decades.

The Putrajaya agreement spelled out some six to nine issues that would have to be discussed before both sides agree to a final cessation of hostilities.

The ceasefire accord is being implemented under the auspices of Malaysia, Libya and Indonesia.

Local-level monitoring teams include local officials and representatives from the rebels, non-government organizations and religious figures while a higher-level coordinating committee consists of government and rebel leaders.