Representatives from the GPH, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and Malaysia recognized the "unwanted, unexpected" Mamasapano incident, citing it as a catalyst to continue on the peace process between all parties.
During the press conference detailing the decommissioning protocol of MILF firearms on Saturday, MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal expressed the organization's sincerest condolences towards the victims of the Mamasapano incident and their commitment in "pursuing the path of peace".
He then appealed to the media to report truthfully on the Mamasapano "misencounter", saying the incident was "not intended by either side" and that the MILF itself lost 18 fighters and have 14 wounded.
"We appeal to everybody, especially members of the media... to treat Mamasapano (with) utmost consideration (and report) what actually happened," Iqbal said.
He maintained they did not know Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir (Marwan) and bomb maker Basit Usman were in the area.
"Had we known, we would've told the government," he said.
OPAPP @OPAPP_peace
Ferrer: Let us not forget that it is PNP's mandate to deal with terrorism... What we expect from a peace partner is cooperation.
Ferrer: Let us not forget that it is PNP's mandate to deal with terrorism... What we expect from a peace partner is cooperation.
OPAPP @OPAPP_peace
Iqbal says the MILF did not know that Marwan or Usman is in the area. "Had we known, we would've told the government."
7 Retweets 1 favorite
GPH peace panel chair Miriam Ferrer then said that the panel did not "wish to preempt" the current senate investigations on the incident and asked for clarity and accountability into the process.
No message of surrender received
Protocol signing
OPAPP @OPAPP_peace
GMA News ✔
"We have to regain the people's trust. Let our actions speak," said Ferrer.
She then asked the public not to "lose sight of the bigger picture" and remember the necessary reforms to create an autonomous government that will ensure peace and development in the country.
No message of surrender received
When asked about the role of the MILF in Mamasapano, Iqbal said they are doing everything to approach the problem truthfully.
Iqbal then denied receiving a message from President Benigno Aquino III asking the MILF to give up Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) commander Basit Usman, but said it might have been sent to Ebrahim.
He added that ongoing investigations will show "the truth" that Marwan was in the company of the BIFF and not the MILF.
@gmanews
Iqbal: MILF not coddling Marwan, we don't have Usman. Marwan was with BIFF | via @Joseph_Morong http://gmane.ws/1HrWere
She reiterated that pardons are an important part of reconciliation and the current peace process.
Ferrer said phase one of the protocol began last January 22 when MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad personally handed over “20 crew-served weapons and 55 high-powered firearms”.
Socioeconomic packages will be prepared for the 145 MILF fighters who had their arms decommissioned, with more details forthcoming next month.
Phase two, which will begin this month, involves a joint security assessment between MILF and GPH.
Members of the International Decommissioning Body (IDB) will then continue their investigations into the progress of the peace process.
Protocol signing
GPH peace panel chair Miriam Ferrer, MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, and Malaysian facilitator Datu Tengku began with opening statements from all parties at the conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
All three parties signed the "protocol on implementing the decommissioning of MILF arms and forces" last Thursday, with negotiators saying the Mamasapano incident and its repercussions “reaffirmed their commitment to peace that has long eluded Mindanao.”
GMA News' "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho" reported last Thursday that the protocol will lay out the steps for the following:
- MILF inventory of their arms and Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) personnel.
- IDB verification of the MILF inventory.
- Ceremonial turnover of weapons.
- MILF submission to IDB of a list on where their BIAF forces are deployed.
- Where and how the MILF arms will be kept and put beyond use.
'Peace spoilers'
Meanwhile, the international monitoring team (IMT) extended its term until March 2016 to continue its work in conjunction with the peace process.
Meanwhile, the international monitoring team (IMT) extended its term until March 2016 to continue its work in conjunction with the peace process.
When questioned about the BIFF's brotherhood with the MILF, Iqbal insisted that the two groups were not related, as the BIFF did not believe "in the way of peace".
OPAPP @OPAPP_peace
Iqbal:The BIFF is NOT part of the MILF. They do not believe in the way of peace
OPAPP @OPAPP_peace
Ferrer: Even 'peace spoiler's can eventually be convinced. Show them that the path of peace is viable.
7 Retweets
"At the end of the day, we know that this is a historical problem that needs a long-term solution," Ferer said.
"We must come together as a nation for peaceful means. Peace is the only viable option," she said.
"We must come together as a nation for peaceful means. Peace is the only viable option," she said.
OPAPP @OPAPP_peace
Ferrer: We must come together as a nation for peaceful means. Peace is the only viable option.
GPH panel member Senen Bacani then said that whoever was accountable for the incident "should be held responsible for their actions".
He then said that those accountable for the incident shouldn't wait for the results of the investigation, but refused to further speculate.
GMA News ✔
GPH panel member Bacani: Whoever is accountable should be held responsible for their actions http://gmane.ws/1HrWere
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.