Saturday, January 31, 2015

GPH, MILF, Malaysia: Mamasapano clash catalyst for continuing peace process

From GMA News (Jan 31): GPH, MILF, Malaysia: Mamasapano clash catalyst for continuing peace process

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.
 
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."
 
                      
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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.
 
"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 
 

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