Gov’t to MILF: Prove renunciation of terror

Malacañang dared the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) yesterday to prove to the Filipino people that it had renounced terrorism.

Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said the MILF’s action shunning terrorism is an important confidence-building measure for the peace process to resume soon in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

"We are counting on the words of MILF leaders renouncing terrorism, and that we also expect that they would substantiate this renunciation with concrete actions to purge terrorists from their ranks and units," he said.

Taufik Refke, an alleged leader of the Indonesia-based Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), had reportedly told military investigators that the MILF had been supporting their operations in Mindanao.

Taufik, allegedly the second-highest ranking JI leader in the country, was captured in Cotabato City last month by joint elements of the military and the police.

During investigation, Taufik was reported to have said that the MILF had been providing JI terrorists in Mindanao safehouses and facilities.

Taufik’s revelations came a week after President Arroyo announced in Davao City she was confident that peace in Mindanao was "within grasp" now that the government has convinced the MILF to return to the negotiating table. — Marichu Villanueva