Manila (AsiaNews / CBCP) - The Filipino bishops' conference has condemned the "act of violence against human life" that caused the deaths of at least 43 policemen, killed by the militia of the rebel MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) and Biff (Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters).
The shootout took place on 25 January in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, in Maguindanao province, located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, southern Philippines. The police had raided a village in search of two suspected Islamic extremists. However, they failed to notify MILF militias, who control the area as provided for in the peace agreement. Hence the response of the militiamen, that led to the ambush and dozens of deaths.
In an official
statement the Filipino bishops confirm their firm and decisive support for peace
and the ongoing talks between the government and rebel militias. The CBCP president
Socrates B. Villegas warns that the Church "cannot side with those
who call for the discontinuance of peace talks".
The prelate, Bishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, adds that "if anything, the sad
incident underscores the necessity and the urgency of arriving at a solution
that is not rushed but that is inclusive, principled and just to all." "With
profound sorrow but with faith in the Resurrection, the CBCP mourns with the
families of the gallant policemen, victims of an utterly senseless act of
violence in Mindanao, already weary from battle and conflict".
The victims
belong to the Special Forces (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and
were looking for two prominent Islamic terrorists: Zulkifli bin Hir, better
known as Marwan, belonging to the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and explosives expert Basit
Usman. Yesterday all day the Philippine flag flew at half mast in the police
headquarters in Manila.
Commenting on the incident the Filipino interior minister Manuel Roxas warned
that the story "may affect" peace talks, but "we are hopeful and
confident" than the work of the past years is not lost.
Mohagher Iqbal, head of the committee for peace of the rebel groups, said that the police "came into our area and attacked us," so it was an episode of "self-defense". However, he added that the single incident of violence will not bring down the efforts for peace, because both sides are committed to achieving the common goal. Ghazali Jaafar, deputy head of the rebels, added that the peace treaty signed last March "is the only possible solution to the conflict."