Manila: The leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation force (Milf) said it will implement a “fatwa” declared by religious leaders in Muslim Mindanao to guard against the entry and spread of radicalism in Bangsamoro communities.

“The leadership of Milf fully endorse and support such [an] edict without fear and reservation,” the front said as it referred to the fatwa declaration issued by Bangsamoro Mufti, Shaikh Abehuraira Abdul Rahman Udasan recently.

The fatwa also states that there is an urgent need to fight violent extremism or radicalism.

The issuance of the fatwa, a ruling based on the interpretation of Sharia, comes at a time when clan-based groups such as the Mate and similarly religious extremist groups such as the Abu Sayyaf were trying to foment sectarian conflict in parts of Mindanao.

The fatwa did not particularly mention any group operating in Mindanao as falling within this category.

Last May 23, the Mate group and the Abu Sayyaf seized buildings and took hostages in Marawi City after security forces started plans to arrest their leaders.

What resulted was a shooting conflict and bombardment of positions held by radicals that continues up to this day. This development also triggered a massive humanitarian crisis as residents fled from the Mate and Abu Sayyaf onslaught.

According to Milf Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, the fatwa declaration “must be pursued vigorously to ensure that this violent extremism or radicalism shall not take root in any part of our communities, because it has no basis whatsoever in any of the teachings of Islam.”

“They [Mate and Abu Sayyaf] are creating intrigues and are sowing terror. They are also thriving on the sufferings and hardships of people,” he adds,

The Milf enjoined its officials and members of both its political and military organs, as well as the people in general “to close ranks and cooperate with one another in order to deny entry or sanctuary to this brand of people.”

There had earlier been fears that young Moros and some members of the Milf would gravitate towards the more radical interpretation of Islamic teachings,

As early as 2011, Milf Peace Panel Chair, Mohagher Iqbal, told Gulf News about restive groups within the organisation that embrace the brand of Islam similar to that enforced by Daesh in the territories that it captured in Syria and Iraq.