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Sources: MILF faction won't give up arms, in talks with BIFF
Sources say that large faction within the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) disapproves of the disarmament provision in the peace agreement it signed with the Philippine government and has begun talks with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) which is harboring foreign terrorists in Mindanao. But MILF leadership said it stands "solidly" behind the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro, according to MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar.Jaafar made the assurance amid reports that the large faction, led by Hashim Salamat, supposedly a nephew of the deceased MILF founder also named Hashim Salamat, is undertaking "realignment" talks with the BIFF. Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan confirmed on Tuesday that foreign jihadis Zulkifli Abhir, alias Marwan, of Malaysia and Mohammad Ali, alias Muawiyah, of Singapore are both operating locally with the BIFF. He declined to comment on reports that Abu Saad and Quiam, both foreign jihadists of undetermined nationalities, were also operating with the BIFF and the Abu Sayyaf group. Former President Fidel Ramos said the government should take all security measures "to prevent and pre-empt" any terrorist activity in the country, especially since Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the country in January. Posted by: ryuge 2014-10-02 |
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