Maguindanao Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu has issued a strong appeal to President Duterte to declare a temporary ceasefire in the military operations in his province that have caused the displacement of thousands of his constituents.
In a letter sent to Malacanang, Mangudadatu also urged Duterte to seek the intercession of “high ranking officials of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front” to help convince militants belonging to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters to lay down their arms.
He said the MILF officials can be instrumental in calling on BIFF guerrillas to “abandon the kind of Islamic ideology they are preaching.”
“We are appealing to you Mr. President to put a halt for the meantime and request the high ranking officials of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to convince the members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters to lay down their arms or to abandon the kind of Islamic ideology they are preaching,” wrote Mangudadatu.
He added: “In this way, it will prevent further damage to crops, livestock, and loss of innocent lives.”
In his letter, the former Maguindanao governor hinted that BIFF terrorists have been weakened.
“We write to you Mr. President because of the situation in our province. The continued pursuit and assault of our government forces against Islamic terrorist group have displaced thousands of Maguindanaoans, destroyed millions worth of crops and livestock, and not to mention loss of lives of innocent who are caught in the crossfire,” Mangudadatu said.
Fierce fighting between the military and BIFF terrorists started early this year and resulted in numerous deaths on the government, civilian population, and the BIFF.
Among those killed were foreign-looking men who fought alongside BIFF fighters, indicating that the local terrorist organization is getting international support, possibly the Islamic State, known for the viciousness of its members. (Ben Rosario)
