Duterte: SAF entry into MILF enclave violates peace deal

MANILA, Philippines — Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday said government violated the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) when the Special Action Force (SAF) entered MILF-controled territory in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Sunday.

"Yang adventure na 'yan was in violation of the agreement. We have violated the rules that we have agreed with them," Duterte said. "If we demand justice now, where do we get it from? Sasabihin nila, kayo ang pumasok dito, kayo ang naghahanap ng away."

"May kasulatan tayo na hindi kami papasok dyan at huwag kayo papasok dito until after the peace process has been completed and there is a formula for peace already," the mayor said.

The SAF operation was meant to serve arrest warrants of Islamiyah leader Zulkifli bin Hir also known as Marwan and Abu Sayyaf leader Abdul Bassit Usman believed to be hiding in a village near MILF enclaves.

Duterte offered flowers at Gate 1 of Camp Crame that has now become a shrine for the 44 SAF commandos killed in the clash with members of the MILF and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Also reportedly killed in the clash were about 16 MILF and BIFF guerillas.

"Pumasok ang pulis and it was an [MILF] territory, which in the first place, hindi tayo dapat pumasok. How can you correct it? Ikaw ay pumasok sa bahay ng isang tao, hindi ka naman imbitado. This is covered by a document signed by the Republic of the Philippines," Duterte added.

Duterte, however, added that the MILF was also guilty of harboring and protecting Usman and Marwan inside its controled territory.

"There must be justice served. If there is culpability on the part of the MI[LF], baka napagsabihan na sila na may kukunin lang kami. Ang problema din kasi rito ay sa MI[LF]. Nasa loob yung mga terorista. So parang protected. In other words, they are harboring [them]," he said.

Duterte, while laying blame on both the government and the MILF for the clash, also urged people to be calm in its wake. He said an escalation of the situation towards a renewed armed conflict would heavily affect Mindanao.

"Let us keep an open mind. 'Wag tayong magpadala sa emotions. If this thing goes out of hand, ang battleground dyan ay kami. Walang interesado sa pamumundok sa Mindanao. In the previous years, Mindanao was a battleground," he said.

Duterte also urged for a suspension of the peace talks between the government and the MILF until an impartial and independent probe of the incident has been finished.

"Bilisan na lang ang peace process and in the meantime, there should be a stop at sabihin sa MI[LF] na hinto muna tayo and we will sort out things and after that, we are ready to talk again. But, justice must be done here. Kung sino man ang tatamaan, ibigay sa kanya," he said.

"There should be an impartial and independent investigation," Duterte added.