Senators ask MILF leaders to help find justice for SAF 44

Senators on Thursday urged the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to cooperate with the Department of Justice in pursuing justice for the victims of the Mamasapano clash.

 

Senate President Franklin Drilon said instead of casting doubts on the Department of Justice’s report on the Mamasapano clash, the MILF should respect the process.

 

“We hope that the MILF will cooperate with the Department of Justice (DOJ) in seeking justice for what happened in Mamasapano. This is an important step for them as they enter the democratic process,” Drilon said in a press statement.

 

MILF vice chairman Ghadzali Jaafar earlier insisted that they will not surrender their men involved in the Mamasapano incident saying they just defended themselves from the Special Action Force troops which attacked their community.
 

“Matagal na naming sinasabi na hindi namin sila puwedeng isuko dahil wala silang kasalanan. Bakit sila isusuko, napilitan lamang silang ipagtanggol ang kanilang mga sarili? Ang may kasalanan ay iyong SAF na pumunta doon at nilusob iyong barangay kahit alam nila na may MILF sa lugar na iyon,” Jaafar said in an interview with GMA News TV's News To Go last Friday.

 

Drilon, a former justice secretary, said it is crucial for the MILF to prove its commitment to peace and justice in order to re-establish the people’s confidence in the peace process, which eroded since the January 25 Mamasapano incident.

 

“Rather than express doubts on the investigation, the MILF has to move with the rest of the public on this matter. They should abide by the process in accordance with the Constitution and our laws,” Drilon said.

 

He said the Mamasapano report completed by the DOJ was able to establish clearly the culpability of the rebels from the MILF and its breakaway group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the death of 44 Special Action Force commandos.

 

He said he fully supports the filing of the cases against those involved in Mamasapano as he urged the DOJ to hasten the filing of appropriate charges.
 

In a phone interview with reporters, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr expressed hope the MILF will work with the government on the issue.

“Umaasa kami na ang MILF will work together with the government at tignan muna nila ang ebidensiya, makinig muna sila sa National Bureau of Investigation. Kung sino ang mga ito, kung anong ebidensya sa kanila at kung ano ang planong gagawin,” he said.

 

He added MILF’s cooperation would do good in the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.

 

“Kasi pag sinasabi na hindi tutulungan ang DOJ, hindi palalabasin ang mga tao, in order words itinatago na naman nila. Ang reaksyon ng karamihan e paano pag naging gobyerno na kayo,  e ganyan din ba ang gagawin niyo?” he said.

 

“Para maipakita na may kakayahan sila, tapat sila sa  kanilang pagiging partner in peace sa gobyerno  e maganda sana kung sila ay tumulong,” he added. - JJ, GMA News