AFP to help ease tensions between MILF, BIFF

MANILA, Philippines - The military will help deescalate the tensions between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), which have displaced thousands of residents in Central Mindanao.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. said they are now studying ways to ease the conflict, which was reportedly caused by a land dispute.

“We are coming in; we are operating,” Catapang on Thursday told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo.

“We are finding out how to deescalate (the tension),” he added without elaborating.

Catapang said there would be proper coordination with local governments and the MILF before they enter the area.

“We have to coordinate because many civilians have been affected. We are the protector of the people so we have to do our job,” the military chief said.

“We just want to show them that the referee is now here so maybe they can stop the clashes because we are looking into the plight of those who were displaced,” he added.

Catapang said soldiers are also ready to help the Social Welfare department provide assistance to the affected residents in evacuation centers. .

MILF and BIFF combatants figured in at least three clashes over the last two weeks due to a squabble for control of parts of Liguasan Delta at the Maguindanao-North Cotabato border.

More than 22,000 persons in Maguindanao and Cotabato have been forced to flee their homes for fear of being caught in the crossfire.

About 12,000 individuals have been displaced in Maguindanao while about10,000 others have sought refuge in temporary shelters in Cotabato.