TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Philippine military launched a fierce attack against rebel groups two days after talks with Muslim rebel group to end decades-long conflict that has killed thousands.
The military, backed by artillery, attacked guerrillas of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in a remote village on the southern Mindanao Island on Monday, January 27, 2014. "This attack triggered a battle that sent hundreds of civilians fleeing," the military said.
Al-Jazeera's correspondent Jamela Alindogan reported from Manila said the fighting apparently erupted after the military tried to execute warrants of arrest against BIFF, which is fighting for an independent Islamic state.
In 2008, BIFF broke out from the main rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which has agreed to sign a peace agreement with the government. Since its breaking away, BIFF has been accused of carrying out robberies and bombings in several cities in Mindanao.
On Sunday, January 26, 2014, the government and MILF agreed to wrap up the final phase of talks in Malaysia which will pave the way to end the conflict in exchange for greater autonomy. However, the BIFF said the agreement is not inclusive and does not represent their people's needs.
In the peace agreement, five Muslim autonomous regions will be more powerful, better-funded, and potentially larger regions that are called Bangsamoro.
However, both sides admitted that violence would not end overnight in the regions engulfed in bloodshed, poverty, illegal firearms trade, tribal wars, and weak law enforcement.
AL JAZEERA | CHOIRUL