MILF Buffer Force ‘professionalism’ hailed

The buffer force of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) known as the Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Elements (JCME) was commended by the Joint Government Republic of the Philippines (GRP) - MILF Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and by the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team (IMT). The Joint CCCH and IMT gave credence to the neutrality, objectivity and professionalism exemplified by the JCMEs in the wake of the series of sporadic fighting between the combined forces of the 64th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army and paramilitary units against some elements of the 105th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) – MILF.

The JCMEs is a peace keeping force set up by the Joint GRP – MILF CCCH and IMT in the Salbu, Datu Unsay Municipality; Pagatin, Datu Saudi Municipality, Mamasapano Municipality: and Shariff Aguak Municipality (SPMS) Area to help pacify and neutralize the confrontational situation between the government forces and the MILF forces.

In the series of sporadic encounters for the past two weeks that took place in the SPMS Area between the contending forces, the JCMEs were attacked several times by the government forces using 105 howitzers, mortars and assault rifles. But the JCMEs never reacted to those aggressive attacks by the government forces.

During the attack of the government forces last November 13, 2006, the positions of the JCMEs were fired upon for more that an hour by the elements of the 64th IB and paramilitary units by assorted high powered assault firearms.

Four JCME members were almost hit by the firing of the government forces. Worst, civilians were almost hit by the indiscriminate firing of the government forces. Three 81mm mortars also fell within the area of responsibility of the JCMEs, one of which was merely 30 meters away from their positions.

The sporadic fighting between the contending forces were all government-instigated encounters as all the area of engagement were within the identified positions and communities of the MILF fighters.

However, the IMT lamented over the involvement of the Buffer Forces Armed Forces of the Philippines which are supposedly designated as Peace Keeping Force in the SPMS Area.

The MILF CCCH considers the attack against the JCMEs by the government as a direct attack to the GRP – MILF CCCH and the IMT.

The 64th IB under its Commanding Officer Lt Col Roseller Murillo is designated as AFP Buffer Force purposely to help bring about peace and order in the area. However, no less than LT Col Murillo who admitted to have ordered the firing of the 64th IB its 105 howitzers and mortars against the MILF.

Meanwhile, the MILF CCCH and the IMT has recommended the replacement of 64th IB by another AFP on the ground of its continuing involvement in the clashes and direct violations of the GRP – MILF ceasefire accord. (http://www.luwaran.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=84)