Ceasefire – 2015
2015
MILF and government police clashed on January 25 after the national police force entered a MILF and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) community without coordinating with the joint government and rebel ceasefire panel, [1] resulting in approximately 50 casualties. [2], [3] An investigation by the International Monitoring Team (IMT) followed the incident, which concluded in April that both the government and MILF forces were at fault for violating the ceasefire.[4] In March, the government complained of a new MILF training facility in a remote village in Iligan City as well as renewed recruitment activity by the group.[5] On September 9, MILF members were reportedly involved in an attack on the village of Lutanyan, Sultan Kudarat province over a long-standing land dispute. MILF leadership responded that the incident was an isolated case and MILF as an organization was not involved at all.[6]
[1] “30 policemen killed in S. Philippines firefight,” Xinhua General News Service, January 25, 2015.
[2] “Philippines peace deal stalled as 50 police killed,” Anadolu Agency, January 26, 2015.
[3] “Philippines president admits lack of coordination during anti-rebel police raid,” BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, January 28, 2015.
[4] “Philippine police, rebels violated ceasefire, says monitors,” Times of Oman, April 6, 2015.
[5] “Philippines army hits rebel camp, recruitment in south,” BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, March 23, 2015.
[6] “Philippines: MILF members suspected of attack on town,” Anadolu Agency, September 10, 2015.