Gov't taps MILF for all-out offensive vs BIFF

MANILA, Philippines - Amid doubts on the rebel group's commitment to peace following the Mamasapano incident, government forces are now working with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in an all-out offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Malacañang said Thursday.

Based on a report he received, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are coordinating with MILF elements in areas where there are operations against the BIFF.

"Sila ay katuwang natin sa prosesong pangkapayaan at 'yung mga lugar na pinangyayarihan ay kasama sa mga lugar na sakop ng FAB at CAB," Coloma said in the regular press briefing at the Palace.

The FAB and the CAB stand for the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, respectively. These were signed by the national government and the MILF after years of peace negotiations.

The BIFF broke away from the MILF as they opposed the Bangsamoro peace process. While the latter has observed a ceasefire with the government, the BIFF has launched attacks in Mindanao.

The latest BIFF attack was in Kabasalan Village in Pikit, North Cotabato where 17 houses were burned and at least 20,000 civilians were affected. This prompted the AFP on Wednesday to launch an all-out assault on the BIFF.

Malacañang said President Aquino has reminded the AFP to ensure that the offensive against the BIFF will spare civilians.

"Mahalagang elemento rin ng pagsasagawa ng operasyon ay 'yung pagpatnubay ng Pangulo na sa pagkilos nila sa lugar na 'yon, kinakailangang tiyakin din na hindi magkakaroon ng collateral damage sa mga civilian communities," Coloma said.

The AFP said earlier that unit commanders had also been reminded to coordinate with the PNP to avoid clashes with the MILF.

The all-out offensive against the BIFF comes after the January 25 police operation against Malaysian terror suspect Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, and his Filipino cohort, Abdul Basit Usman.

Marwan was believed to be killed in the operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao but 44 members of the PNP Special Action Force were also slain in an encounter with MILF and BIFF combatants.