Duterte warns of civil war in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY – Mayor Rodrigo Duterte warned of a possible breakout of civil war in Mindanao if armed hostilities continued between government forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"Civil war is in the offing, this is my personal opinion, meaning we are moving into that direction. If the situation escalates, it will be the point of no return, the lines have been drawn. This is a time of crisis and government must come out very strong," Duterte said.

Mindanao has been rocked by over 20 bomb attacks since January this year aside from "retaliatory attacks" staged by the MILF rebels, leaving almost 100 people killed.

Duterte, who has been appointed as crisis manager following the bomb attacks in the city’s airport and wharf in March and April, pointed out to forces who wanted an independent Islamic state in Mindanao as behind the incidents.

Authorities tightened the security around the city following the bombing of a market in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, last Saturday that killed 10 people and wounded scores of others.

Davao City itself was struck with two major bombings within a month which left 38 killed and over 200 wounded.

Both incidents were blamed on the MILF, which denied responsibility.

The MILF has also been blamed for the attacks on Siocon town in Zamboanga del Norte last May 4, which left 34 dead and other civilians wounded and taken hostage by the rebels.

Earlier, MILF rebels raided Maigo town in Lanao del Norte and waylaid a passenger bus, taking hostage some of its passengers.