Convene National Security Council, Noy urged

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay yesterday urged President Aquino to convene the National Security Council (NSC) in light of renewed armed clashes in Mindanao.

Binay said the meeting would assess the current security and peace and order situation, and formulate proper mechanisms that would prepare law enforcement and the Armed Forces to respond accordingly.

The Vice President stressed that in view of the escalating conflicts in Mindanao, it is important to be prepared for any eventuality.

“We need to be prepared. We have to discuss not only what’s happening now but how to be ready for the future,” Binay said.

“The NSC meeting will provide our security forces the framework to act, keeping in mind that our ultimate goal is to ensure stability and pursue peace in Mindanao,” he said.

The NSC is composed of the President, the Vice President, the Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff, the National Security Council director, the executive secretary, and the secretaries of foreign affairs, national defense, interior and local government, justice, and labor and employment.

Barely a month after the botched police operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) figured in a clash last Saturday.

More than 15,000 residents of barangays Kabasalan, Barongis, Buliok, Bago-Inged, Bulol and Rajamuda in Pikit, North Cotabato, and Kalbugan and Buliok in Pagalungan, Maguindanao have reportedly fled their homes to escape the combat. 

Commander Lt. Col. Orlando Edralin of the 7th Infantry Battalion said more residents fled their homes as fighting intensified on Tuesday.

Edralin said the clash seemed to have evolved from being just a “rido” or clan war to a full-blown fight between the MILF and the BIFF.