Cotobato City – As the holy fasting month of Ramadan rolls on its fifth day, Wednesay, guns continue to be silent in Central Mindanao as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) contingent based in Maguindanao and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are strictly complying with the suspension of military offensives and actions.

The Manila Bulletin learned this Tuesday from the AFP’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) based at the Awang Airport in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, and the MILF.

This is a much needed respite during the arduous holy fasting month of Ramadan for the residents of Central Mindanao, particularly the thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) or evacuees in some towns of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

ARMM Gov. Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan welcomed this development, as guns remain silent in the region.

“This is a positive and welcome development. Our people will have the opportunity to observe fasting during the holy month of Ramadan,” said Ampatuan, as quoted by ARMM Executive Secretary Oscar Sampulna.

“So far, none,” said Jonathan Ponce, 6th ID spokesman, in response to an inquiry whether there were any reported clashes in Central Mindanao between the military and the MILF during the Islamic religious season.

He cited the 6th ID’s strict adherence to the orders of the AFP leadership on the declaration by President Arroyo on July 23 of a suspension of military offensives (SOMO) against the MILF.

“The 6th ID strictly adheres with the SOMO to give primacy to the peace talks to continue and all our ground commanders are strictly implementing the guidelines set forth by higher authorities,” said Ponce.