Statement by NSAs

Moro Islamic Liberation Front Central Committee

Resolution to reiterate MILF policy of strongly and continuously condemning all kidnap for ransom activities in Mindanao and everywhere, and to take drastic action against the perpetrators of this heinous crime in all MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) areas

WHEREAS, more than 1,400 years ago before the Fourth Geneva Conventions were adopted by the community of nations on August 12, 1949, Islam had already prescribed that non-combatants such as children, women, old people, monks or priests and the like are not the objects of war; and also it prohibited the destruction of properties, orchards, mutilation of the dead and other cruelties even during war;

WHEREAS, it has been observed that in recent years kidnap-for-ransom activities have been rampant in many areas in Mindanao, and even in Metropolitan Manila and Sepadan Island, Sabah, Malaysia, victimizing children, women and even foreigners;

WHEREFORE, Be it resolved, as it is hereby RESOLVED unanimously, that the MORO ISLAMIC LIBERATION FRONT HEREBY REITERATES ITS POLICY OF STRONGLY AND CONTINUOUSLY CONDEMNING OF ALL KIDNAP-FOR-RANSOM ACTIVITIES in Mindanao and the islands of Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan; and therefore, the CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE MORO ISLAMIC LIBERATION FRONT direct its freedom fighters comprising the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) to ARREST, and take drastic actions against the perpetrators of this heinous crime, until these criminal activities are neutralized and stopped in MILF areas.

Done at Camp Abubakre As-Siddique, Bangsamoro Homeland this 26th day of February 2002.