Iqbal blames SAF commandos for Mamasapano clash

MANILA, Philippines - Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal on Tuesday maintained that the group is not at fault for the Mamasapano clash.

An operation to arrest Malaysian fugitive Zulkifli Bin Hir alias "Marwan" and his Filipino cohort Basit Usman led to the death of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos during a bloody encounter with the MILF, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and other armed groups at Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25.

The Senate joint committee report which was released on Tuesday stated that the Moro rebels robbed and murdered the 44 police commandos.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel, Iqbal insisted that the SAF commandos themeselves were at fault for lack of coordination with the MILF.

"Hindi MILF ang nagkasala. Kung titingnan natin ang SAF commandos po ang nagkasala dyan kasi wala silang coordination," Iqbal said.

Iqbal added that a the government signed a ceasefire agreement with the MILF prior to the operation.

The MILF chief peace negotiator noted that the group respects the result of the Senate inquiry on the Mamasapano incident.

"Kami po nirerespeto po namin yan, because it's part of the internal legal process of government," Iqbal said.

On the other hand, Sen. Grace Poe reiterated that President Benigno Aquino III was "ultimately responsible" for the botched operation.

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