Palace distances self from MILF decision to submit Mamasapano clash report to Malaysia

Malacañang is taking a hands off stance in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)’s decision to send its findings on the deadly January 25 Mamasapano clash to Malaysia, which acts as the facilitator of the peace talks between the Moro group and the Philippine government.

 

At a press briefing on Thursday, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the Palace does not have jurisdiction over what the MILF will do with the results of its probe on the Mamasapano incident.

 

He added that the MILF’s move was based on the group’s interpretation of the peace agreements it signed with the Philippine government.

 

"Mainam siguro na hintayin na lang natin. Wala naman tayong hurisdiksyon sa kanilang mga gagawin,” Coloma told reporters.

 

The Palace official also did not give a direct answer when asked if the MILF already committed to give the government a copy of its findings on the bloody encounter.

 

Malacañang will rely on the recommendations made by government peace negotiators in connection with the MILF’s findings, Coloma added.

 

On Wednesday, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who heads deliberations on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) at the Senate, said he had heard reports that the MILF already sent its findings on the Mamasapano clash to Malaysia.

 

The firefight last January 25 left 44 police commandos, 18 MILF fighters and at least five civilians dead. The MILF’s breakaway group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), was also involved in the clash.

 

Marcos said the MILF’s move to send its findings to Malaysia will further delay congressional action on the BBL, which will embody the peace deal between the Philippine government and the MILF signed last year.

 

Coloma said the administration respects the views expressed by Marcos on the MILF’s actions on its Mamasapano probe findings.

 

Asked if the MILF should be more transparent with its investigation and findings on the bloody incident, the Palace official said President Benigno Aquino III had already challenged the group to continue being a partner in the peace process.

 

In a public address on the Mamasapano incident last January, Aquino called on the MILF to "show, in the soonest possible time, even more concrete evidence of their solidarity in the pursuit of peace, towards the pursuit of truth, and the accountability of those responsible.” — RSJ, GMA News