MILF chairman Murad relays condolences to families of slain SAF 44

Published February 12, 2015 10:20am

(Updated 10:38 a.m.) Moro Islamic Liberation Front chairman Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim on Thursday relayed his condolences to the families of 44 PNP-Special Action Force troopers killed in a clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25.

The MILF chairman's message was relayed by MILF peace panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal, who appeared before the Senate hearing on the bloody encounter.

Quoting Murad, Iqbal said the incident "was something that nobody planned or wanted."

"It was a tragic incident," Iqbal said, referring to the clash between government forces and MILF fighters.

Iqbal also relayed the condolences to the fallen fighters of the MILF. The MILF earlier claimed at least 18 of its fighters died in the Jan. 25 clash.

Speaking at the Senate hearing, Iqbal said he arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 6 a.m. from Kuala Lumpur.

He said he and Murad attended a forum on peace. He said they talked before Iqbal took a flight to the Philippines.

"Nagpapasalamat po siya (Murad) sa inyo (Senate committee) and then he wants to convey the message and the condolence to the fallen SAF 44, their families, relatives and friends. Sabi niya po, ang pangyayari na iyan ay hindi inaasahan. It was a tragic incident," he said.

Iqbal said Murad also extended his condolence to the "fallen MILF comrades numbering 18." — Joel Locsin/RSJ, GMA News

Tags: mamasapanoclash, milf, biff, pnpsaf, alhajmuradebrahim