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COTABATO CITY (SDN) — Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Implementing Panel Chair Mohagher M. Iqbal on Monday, March 18, called for unity in the wake of an ambush in Datu Hofer, in Maguindanao del Sur, that killed four government soldiers.
“Let us unite in this challenging time and reaffirm our dedication to peace and development in the Bangsamoro. Through our collective efforts, we can build a brighter future for all our people,” Iqbal, who wears many hats in the Bangsamoro peace process, emphasized.
He issued the statement after Sunday’s armed encounter between a contingent of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The four soldiers were returning to their base to the 40th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Sitio Bagurot, Barangay Mother Tuayan, when members of the terrorist band ambushed them while traversing the road leading to Barangay Tuayan 1.
They were returning after buying food supplies for Ramadan iftar they were supposed to give villagers near their patrol base.
“On behalf of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Implementing Panel, I extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, friends, and fellow soldiers of the fallen,” Iqbal, also the MILF chief negotiator, said in a statement reaching SDN – SciTech & Digital News.
Actions of a few will not destroy gains of peace process
“We firmly condemn this act of violence, especially during the Holy Month of Ramadan, a time when we are called upon to reflect, pray, and foster peace and reconciliation. Such acts do not align with the values of Islam or the principles of peace we are steadfastly working towards in the Bangsamoro.”
Iqbal assured the MILF’s unwavering commitment in ensuring the region’s peace, justice, a security. He added the Front which is governing the BARMM through the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), “will continue to work closely with the Philippine government and all stakeholders to address the root cause of violence and terrorism.”
He stressed that the actions of a few will not undermine the hard-earned gains of the peace process as “our resolve to build a peaceful and progressive Bangsamoro is strong than ever.”
Brigadier General Oriel Pangcog, commander of the 601st Brigade said the ambush occurred at around 9 in the morning.
The Army commander said the extremist group was probably retaliating for the military’s operation against them on December 2, 2023, killing 11 members.
In a related development, Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido said the ambush that killed four Army men only strengthens the AFP’s resolve in eliminating the Dawlah Islamiyyah, which is not part of the Mindanao peace process.
Galido assured the Army’s commitment to making sure the extremists pa for their actions and justice is served. — EDD K. USMAN (✓)
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Sources: MILF, Cebu Daily News Inquirer.net