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BIFF threatens more attacks
[Manila Bulletin] The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) yesterday threatened more attacks and called on local residents to avoid military and police outposts or checkpoints in Maguindanao.On Monday afternoon, BIFF spokesman Abu Misry Mama warned, "To all civilians, Christians or Muslims, living near military checkpoints, leave now because 100 percent we will launch attacks against them. Leave now so you won’t be caught in crossfire." However, Abul Khayr Alonto, elected chairman of the surviving original members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) central committee, said the Philippines cannot afford another wide-scale armed conflict in Mindanao. He said, "Those who call for all-out-war (after the Mamasapano incident) are those who in their nightmares even don’t know the situation of war." Misry Mama said BIFF forces are on standby ready to launch attacks and, if attacked by government forces, ready to defend itself. He also confirmed the movement of BIFF forces along Cotabato-General Santos City National Highway two days ago that nearly led to a clash with the military. But Misry Mama clarified that they were securing some top BIFF leaders who were invited to attend a feast in Talayan area. The BIFF also promised not to participate in any government investigation in connection with the massacre of 44 SAF commandos. Misry Mama said, "We will not subject ourselves to investigation. If the military enters enter here to investigate, we will shoot them. We are okay if civilians will investigate." He also confirmed that the SAF operation was really meant to get Zulkilfi bin Hir alias Marwan and Abdul Basit Usman, but denied coddling the two wanted men. Misry Mama also said that the BIFF received reports that an American was killed during the Mamasapano slaughter. He said the presence of Americans in Mindanao is to the BIFF's advantage as they will no longer have to go the United State to wage war against them. He said, "It’s good that the Americans are here. We will fight against them here. We need not spend money to go to America and fight them there." Posted by: ryuge 2015-02-05 |
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