'Government has strong evidence vs MILF over Basilan jailbreak'

MANILA, Philippines – The government has strong evidence to prove that Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels were behind the Dec. 13 assault on the Basilan provincial jail that freed 31 prisoners including Abu Sayyaf militants tagged in beheadings.

Military and police investigators said a raider killed during the attack turned out to be an active MILF member.

“We have already filed our complaint before the joint GRP-MILF Committee on Cessation of Hostilities (CCH) to this effect and we have a strong case,” said Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Sealana, GRP-CCH chair.

He said the MILF has yet to comment on the government’s complaint.

The joint CCH oversees the enforcement of the ceasefire agreement between government forces and the MILF rebels.

The committee works to ensure that no escalation of hostilities follows infractions or ceasefire violations that may retard the peace efforts.

Police and military sources in Basilan said the Basilan jail attack was a rescue mission for detained MILF deputy commander in the province HJ Hassan Asnawi alias Dan Laksaw, Jemar Tarang and Kamsa Limaya, who are all facing multiple murder, frustrated murder and kidnapping with serious illegal detention charges. – Jaime Laude

Asnawi has been tagged as among those who ambushed and killed 14 Marines in July 2007. Ten of the slain soldiers were beheaded.

Some 30 MILF rebels took part in the attack on the undermanned Basilan provincial jail at dawn of Dec. 13.

At least two of the escapees have been recaptured and one killed by pursuing military and police troops. The rest of the escapees, mostly Abu Sayyaf terrorists, are still at large.

The MILF leadership on the other hand, has repeatedly denied the involvement of its men in the Basilan jailbreak. - Jaime Laude