MILF after SAF killing: We reiterate full commitment to peace process

MANILA, Philippines - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) maintained its full commitment to the government's peace process.

In a statement released on Wednesday, MILF expressed sympathy to the families and friends of the 44 slain police commandos during the bloody encounter at Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

"An enduring peace and justice remain to be our primary objective. In this regard, all actions and pronouncements of our political and military units of the MILF should advance and adhere to this primary objective as much as possible and with due regard to the safety and security to our people and communities," MILF Chairman Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim said.

Murad stressed that they have been in negotiations with the Philippine government and have established protocols to keep peace.

Adherence to the said mechanisms resulted to a peaceful environment through the years, the MILF leader added.

"It is unfortunate but not entirely surprising that when parties do not follow established protocls lives are placed in harm's way. We therefore recommit ourselves to follow these processes and protocols," Murad said.

The MILF created a Special Investigative Commission that would investigate the armed encounter at Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Sunday.

Senate President Franklin Drilon earlier challenged the MILF to surrender Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters commander Basit Usman to prove their commitment to the peace process.