Pope Francis condemns BIFF killings

DAGUPAN CITY – Pope Francis was deeply saddened over the killings perpetrated by suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Mindanao.

In a message dated Dec. 28 sent by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See’s secretary of the state, which was transmitted through Apostolic Nuncio Guiseppe Pinto, the pope also sent his condolences to the families of the victims.

“His Holiness prays that security and safety will be established for all people in the region, so that dialogue, tolerance and peace may enable each person to live free from fear,” Parolin said.

“He asks all believers to reject violence in the name of God who is love, and invokes abundant divine gifts of consolation, mercy and strength upon those affected by this tragedy,” he added.

The BIFF reportedly killed seven farmers in separate attacks in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat before dawn on Thursday last week.