Gov't, MILF act to prevent renewed hostilities in Mindanao from escalating

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government assured today that the fresh hostilities between government troops and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) in Maguindanao and North Cotabato would not escalate.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the security mechanisms put in place by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest Muslim rebel group in the country, are now addressing the situation.

"OPAPP (Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process) is confident that the escalation of violence can be prevented by the CCCH (Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities) and the AHJAG (Ad Hoc Joint Action Group) and other security mechanisms," she said in a text message.

At least 23 people, including five soldiers, were killed in the clash between the government troops and the BIFM, formerly known as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) and was founded by former MILF commander Ameril Umbra Kato in 2010.

Kato, who had hundreds of followers, broke away with the MILF headed by Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, after the latter decided three years ago to give up its fight for an independent Islamic state.

The MILF and the Philippine government are now negotiating for the creation of a Bangsamoro entity that will replace the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The Bangsamoro, which is envisioned to get greater power compared to a usual region in the country, will remain under the Philippine republic.