MANILA, Philippines (Eagle News Service) — Malacañang said Thursday the government is coordinating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in neutralizing the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the government is closely coordinating with the MILF since the latter is the government’s partner in insuring peace and order in the Bangsamoro region.
“Masinsin ang ginagawang pakikipag-ugnayan ng pamahalaan sa MILF dahil sila ang partner ng pamahalaan sa pagtamo ng katahimikan at kaayusan sa Bangsamoro,” Coloma told reporters during a press briefing at the Palace.
Coloma noted that the center of operations of the ASG is located inside the area covered by the Bangsamoro region. He said the government is expecting the MILF to do more than just condemn the Abu Sayyaf’s actions.
“At hindi lang naman kondemnasyon ang inaasahan nating ibibigay nilang suporta, lalung-lalo na ‘yung tinutukoy nating lugar — sentro ng operasyon ng mga bandidong elemento — ay sakop ng Bangsamoro. Kaya sa aking palagay ay given na ang pagtutulungan at nandoon na ‘yung aspeto na tinutugis at sinasabat ng pamahalaan ang mga bandidong elemento,” he added.
Secretary Coloma also said that the government is also coordinating with the local governments and the people at large.
“Mahalaga ang suporta ng mga mamamayan, lalo na’t kumikilos ang mga bandidong elemento sa paligid o doon sa palibot ng mga komunidad ng mga residente. Kaya hinihimok ng pamahalaan ang kooperasyon ng mga mamamayan,” he said.
He said that according to Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Gregorio Catapang, they have initiated civil military cooperative activities to encourage the local people to join the peace efforts carried out by the military and law enforcement agencies. (with PND report)
