It is yet to be explained how the armed group BIFF was able to cartrty-out a sustained armed conflict alone seemingly without external aid against the better equipped Philippine Army. Or, is it so? Could it be that they are being supplied from somewhere. But by whom? The humamnitarian question is also to be considered. The evacuees were denied assistance and refuge by the South Cotabato capital and was even told that it was 'safe' for them to go back home. And since the refugees cannot seek help from the provicial government, what steps is the national government is doing for them? Are they to remain aided only by Human rights groups and NGOs? What are the government plans to prevent the conflict into spreading and suck other active rebel groups in the area?
In the news:
Two more blasts hit Kabacan, North Cotabato and North Upi in Maguindanao. An outpost of the 6th Infantry Division was attacked by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in clashes at Barangay Pagangan in Pikit and Barangay Tubak in Aleosan of North Cotabato.
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| Aleosan-Pikit and vicinities, South Cotabato (map by Belarmino Dabalos Saguing) |
Prior to the clashes, the BIFF burned down a house in Barangay Baliki in Midsayap.
Two thousand residents in Pikit and Aleosan towns fled from their homes to safer evacuation places.
The big question mark is who is funding the BIFF? Where are they getting their firearms and ammunitions?
Many believe that they are funded by the MILF. Some believe some Malaysian al-Qaeda groups are also funding the BIFF.
At any rate the AFP intelligence groups appear clueless. Since the Cagayan de Oro bomb blast, there have been 9 bombings in 9 different Mindanao towns. The AFP and Malacañang have not named any suspects so far.
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