AFP on red alert vs. peace deal spoilers

MANILA, Philippines - Military forces in Central Mindanao have been placed on red alert in preparation for the signing of the final peace deal between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Thursday.

Maj. Gen. Romeo Gapuz, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the alert status was raised as early as Monday.

A red alert places all troops on standby and entails the cancellation of vacation leaves. The 6th Infantry Division oversees security operations in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, most of North Cotabato and Cotabato City.

“That (signing of peace agreement) is a national event witnessed by the international community. It is normal for the armed forces to declare red alert,” Gapuz said.

Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said they are not discounting the possibility of sabotage by groups opposed to the agreement. He, however, stressed that their ground troops are prepared for any eventuality.

“We cannot discount the possibility of spoilers that’s why we must remain alert and vigilant so that we can prevent any untoward incident,” Zagala said.

“There are many spoilers. There is the BIFF (Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters), there are those groups who will stand to lose a lot because of the normalization so we are looking into all of that,” he added.

The BIFF is a breakaway group of the MILF that has vowed to destroy the peace process.

Zagala said they have not monitored any concrete threat that could disrupt the signing ceremony.

“But we are abreast of the situation and we will continue to monitor,” he said.

About 1,000 people are expected to witness the historic signing of the comprehensive peace agreement between the government and the MILF in Malacanang.

Among the prominent personalities who will attend the event are President Aquino, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Hj Abdul Razak, MILF chief Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles, and Malaysian facilitator Tengku Dato’ Abdul Ghafar Tengku Mohamed.

“We are in total support (of the signing of the agreement). We believe that the solution to this long-drawn conflict is really a peaceful solution through the peace process,” Zagala said.

The signing of the agreement comes almost two months after security forces mounted offensives against the BIFF to arrest rebel leaders with criminal cases.

The campaign, dubbed as “Operation Dark Horse,” resulted in the capture of four BIFF camps and an explosive factory in Maguindanao.

However, BIFF founder Umra Kato and his senior aide Ustadz Muhaiden Animbang were able to evade the pursuing troops. Kato is facing criminal cases for staging attacks against civilians in Mindanao in 2008.

A total of 52 BIFF rebels and one soldier were killed during sporadic clashes in parts of Maguindanao and North Cotabato.