The Philippine government on Thursday ordered hundreds of Muslim rebels to leave towns which they "forcibly taken" in the southern Philippines, otherwise the military and police will take action.
According to Philippine Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno, about ten towns and villages in North Cotabato Province were forcibly occupied by some 800 suspected members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The government is giving the MILF 24 hours to vacate the towns they have occupied. Three battalions of policemen will be deployed if the MILF does not follow the government's request. Despite the fact that this may become a violent task, the government does not view this as a declaration of war but a form of enforcing the law. (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/07/content_9019661.htm)
The government should really force the MILF to vacate these areas because civilians live in these towns. Exposing them to the armed MILF members can become a threat to them. The MILF shouldn't enter the towns since the MoA deal has not yet been concleded.
Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/07/content_9019661.htm
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
If this can't be solved through peaceful means, we have to use force. The rebels are taking refuge in places where innocent civilians could get hurt in their conflict with the government.
Now here is what I've been waiting for, finally they've learned that simple negotiations wont do with these rebels and that they really need to use force to let them see the point. It is because they already have their minds set on their goals and nothing will change their ideas unless corrected by the use of force.
There should be peace and understanding to such a simple negotiation that hasn't been finished yet. There needs to be more security and such to protect the lives of the people.
Post a Comment