Let’s be partners for peace – Iqbal

MANILA, Philippines - Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator Mohager Iqbal finally appeared before the Senate yesterday to explain the rebel group’s side on the Mamasapano incident and assured the public that it remains a “partner for peace.”

“We promised our people that peace will be our legacy. We seek your help in making this promise possible. We cannot do it by ourselves. We ask you to help us live in peace,” Iqbal said. “Let us be partners for peace.”

Iqbal also denied allegations that the MILF was harboring terrorists Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, and Basit Usman.

“The MILF has no links with these terrorists and terrorist organizations. Marwan and Usman were in areas outside the MILF-controlled areas,” he said.

“The MILF is against all forms of terrorism. We have made a solemn vow to fight in our areas. Terrorism is inconsistent with Islam and has no place in the orientation and principles of the MILF,” he said.

Iqbal reiterated that the MILF and its breakaway group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were different organizations. Members of the BIFF also figured in the fierce firefight with Special Action Force commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25.

The fighting killed 44 SAF members, 18 MILF guerrillas and five civilians.

“The MILF was immediately working to effect the ceasefire as early as 6:30 in the morning. But because of limitations in communications and because of the on-ground situation of battle, the ceasefire was obtained only in the afternoon,” he said.

Iqbal even claimed that MILF fighters saved the lives of 28 SAF commandos.

He insisted that the Mamasapano incident was a “misencounter” and not a massacre.

“The MILF did not intend to fight with the SAF,” Iqbal said.

“We all know that SAF was not the only one who suffered casualties,” he added.

When asked by Sen. Teofisto Guingona III to explain the mutilated remains of some of the SAF commandos, Iqbal said it was because of the high-caliber weapons used in the fighting.

Political party

Iqbal explained that the MILF would cease to be a revolutionary group once the Bangsamoro Basic Law is implemented. A priority bill of Malacañang, BBL will create a new Bangsamoro political entity with enhanced autonomy.

“Once the BBL is implemented, the MILF will no longer be a revolutionary government but a social movement that will no longer advocate the use of arms,” Iqbal said, adding that his group would also be involved in development projects.

Iqbal said while his group trusts Congress’ “collective wisdom,” a watered-down BBL would not put an end to the Mindanao problem.

Iqbal’s explanation, however, failed to convince Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, who remains skeptical of the group’s sincerity and commitment to the peace process. 

Cayetano criticized the MILF for using violence to fight for self-determination.

“I don’t deny the injustice done to the Bangsamoro people. What I’m saying is that people in Luzon and the Visayas have been victimized by war but in the last 20 years, the MILF and its rebellion have victimized their fellow Filipinos in Mindanao,” the senator said.

Cayetano also asked questions about the MILF’s plan to form a political party for the 2016 polls.

“What if you lose?” the senator said, to which a visibly irked Iqbal replied: “Eh di talo (then we lose).”

Cayetano pressed further: “What if you win?” to which Iqbal responded: “Eh di mas maganda (then it would be better).”

Iqbal said the MILF would no longer continue its armed struggle even if it loses in the elections.– Alexis Romero, Paolo Romero, Perseus Echeminada