MILF rebels accuse government forces of violating truce

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) today accused the military of violating the ceasefire agreement between the government and MILF, saying that massive uncoordinated military movements in areas close to MILF forces had been found early in the morning.

The leadership of MILF, which is the largest Muslim rebel group in the Philippines,  said its commanders had reported that hundreds of Philippine army troops clad in full battle gear and backed with several tanks moved into the villages of Kitango, Tatapan, Kitapok, Maitem a Ig, and Pagatin in the towns of Datu Unsay and Datu Saudi in southern Philippine province of Maguindanao.

However, the government and MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) were not aware of these  provocative massive deployment and movement, it added.

"This nature of uncoordinated movement can trigger untoward incident and worst fierce encounter between the government and MILF forces," said Rasid Ladiasan, head of the MILF CCCH Secretariat.

"We do not want any tension or confrontational situation to grip in between MILF and government forces, otherwise we are remiss with our responsibility," he said.

He said any movements which are not normal administrative functions like the case that appeared in those areas constitute ceasefire violations unless the CCCH coordinates them.

He noted the government forces know this very well, "but unfortunately they acted in contravention."

Ladiasan appealed to the government to enhance coordination especially at this time when the government and MILF are confronting major challenges on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) following the review and changes made by the government review team on the law which was drafted by the MILF-led Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC).

He said the MILF CCCH will file a protest on this incident to address the situation.

Despite the signing of a comprehensive peace agreement in March this year, the government and MILF are still in the peace negotiation to implement the deal.