Gov’t, MILF must work closer for peace

The kidnappings by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) must stop. And even if AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista says the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is not involved in the ASG’s illegal activities, it is the obligation of the MILF leadership to restrain MILF members from joining criminal activities.

I totally agree with government peace negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer: The MILF must do something to stop the kidnappings within the Bangsamoro areas, whether these are done by the ASG or by other criminal groups.

There have been 100 cases of documented kidnappings in the last three years with children, students, businessmen, foreigners, journalists, teachers and even barangay officials as victims. The kidnappers strike whenever they want, which should not be the case.

In an encounter between soldiers and elements of the ASG, among those killed were Nur Espital (a known MILF member), former ASG commander Puraji Indanan (who has a relative in the MILF), and three MILF members.  This means the MILF and the government should work more closely with each other to achieve peace in Mindanao.

—JESSIE B. ROMUALDO,

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