Yano says too early to speculate on MILF role in Cotabato attack
MANILA, Philippines – Armed Forces chief Gen. Alexander Yano is hesitant about accusing the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) of attacking military outposts in central Mindanao.
Yano said overall security in central Mindanao has improved following a breakthrough in the peace talks on the issue of ancestral domain for the MILF.
However, hours later troops clashed with suspected MILF guerrillas in Barangay Bagolibas, Aleosan town in Cotabato province.
Maj. Armand Rico, Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command spokesman, said firefighting was still going on as of press time last night.
Two days earlier, suspected MILF fighters reportedly attacked a militia detachment in the same town, killing a 61-year-old woman.
“We cannot speculate because that is being investigated by our joint GRP and MILF ceasefire committee so we would know once they have gotten to the bottom of this case what really happened. But unless they finish their investigation, we cannot speculate as to the motive, the actions of the MILF in those two incidents,” he said.
After the breakthrough in the peace talks, suspected MILF rebels attacked a militia outpost in Barangay Bualan in Pikit, Cotabato.
The MILF, however, denied any involvement in the attack. – James Mananghaya
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