MILF: We are not terrorists
MANILA, Philippines - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front's (MILF) chair on the Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities clarified on Tuesday that they are not terrorists.
"Hindi po kami terrorist," Rasid Ladiasan told the Senate panel.
On the second day of the Senate probe on the Mamasapano clash, Ladiasan denied allegations that the MILF were hiding terrorists Zulkifli Bin Hir, alias Marwan and Basit Usman.
Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano alleged that the MILF "coddle the terrorists" and stressed that the group was the reason why the country was mourning for the death of 44 police commandos.
"Hindi po totoo 'yung sinasabi ninyo po, with due respect, na kinukupkop namin si Marwan at si Basit Usman, wala po 'yang katotohanan," Ladiasan said, adding that they are committed to the peace process.
Ladiasan also denied claims that the MILF was connected to the BIFF, its breakaway group.
Cayetano challenged the MILF to surrender Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) leader Umbra Kato, who is believed to be in their area.
"Prove me wrong and I will be man enough here to say that I was wrong," Cayetano concluded.
On the other hand, MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal failed to attend the Senate hearing for the second day in a row.
READ: MILF chief snubs Senate probe anew
Iqbal said in a letter that he will only participate with the Senate proceedings once the MILF's own investigation completes its own report.
"Until the peace agreement has been fully implemented, we will remain to be a revolutionary organization," Iqbal said in his letter addressed to Sen. Grace Poe who heads the Senate panel conducting the inquiry on the Mamasapano operation.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles noted that the MILF has been cooperating with the Philippine government since peace talks resumed in 2003.
"There have been many instances of cooperation where they (MILF) helped in the interdiction of lawless and terrorist elements that were found within your communities," Deles stressed.
In his letter to Poe, Iqbal vowed to return the firearms and personal belongings of the 44 Special Action Force commandos who were killed during a bloody encounter with the MILF and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
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