With MILF help, AFP will stop new Moro rebel group - Palace
MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will stop the new Moro rebel group formed by a previous leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Malacañang said Thursday.
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the AFP is pursuing all armed groups sowing disorder, including the newly-formed rebel group Justice for Islamic Movement (JIM).
"Hindi sila papahintulutang magsagawa ng mga aksyon na yan at pipigilin sila ng ating sandatahang lakas," Coloma said during the regular Palace press briefing.
Coloma also said that the AFP is also coordinating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for its campaign against JIM.
He said the MILF is knowledgeable about the areas in Mindanao where the AFP is conducting its operations against rebel groups.
"Kinikilala naman ng AFP yung pagtulong ng MILF sa kanila sa pagbibigay ng impormasyon," he said.
The JIM was organized by Mohamad Ali Tambako, a radical Muslim cleric trained in the Middle East who is considered one of the leaders of the BIFF.
Tambako broke away from the BIFF after reportedly having irreconcilable differences with its founder, Ameril Ubra Cato, over issues affecting Muslims in Mindanao.
Tambako's new terror group is now reportedly providing sanctuary to bomb expert Basit Usman and at least five foreign militants, according to the military.
READ: New Moro rebel group emerges
Usman survived the January 25 police operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao that was aimed at capturing him and international terror suspect Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as Marwan.
The operation led to a deadly armed encounter between troopers of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force and MILF combatants.
Following the bungled operation and Usman's escape, the AFP launched an all-out offensive against the BIFF, which broke away from the MILF after opposing the latter's peace negotiations with the government to create a Bangsamoro region.
The BIFF wants to set up an Islamic state governed by strict Sharia laws. It was not clear if the JIM shares the BIFF’s secessionist agenda.
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