Negotiations and peaceful dialogue is the only solution to reach an agreement with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (Biff); in contrast, any military offensive against the Islamist rebel group would create more problems than it would solve, said the auxiliary bishop of Manila, Msgr. Broderick S. Pabillo, in an interview with Radio Veritas.  The prelate said that government officials should convince the leaders of Biff to sit at the negotiating table.

In previous weeks, the Filipino bishops condemned the "act of violence against human life" that caused the deaths of at least 44 policemen, killed by MILF rebels (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) and Biff (Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters).

The shootout took place on 25 January in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province, located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, southern Philippines.

Analysts and local political experts point out that it was the most serious clashes since the signing of the peace agreement between militias and the central government last year in an attempt to end decades of fighting.

"The negotiations are to be taken seriously" warns Msgr. Pabillo, because "offensives are no good ... If the government is able to negotiate with MILF [Moro Islamic Liberation Front], why not with BIFF". The prelate also recalls that civilians are always the "first" to suffer in situations of war and armed conflict.

Those who call for the resumption of peace negotiations includes also Msgr. Socrates B. Villegas, archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan and president of the Episcopal Conference, according to who the government and the rebels are "morally obliged" to seek "the path of peace." He states that it is "vital" to shed light on the causes of the massacre and their responsibilities, because peace takes its foundation "from the truth, commitment to social justice and respect for the fundamental law of the country".

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