MILF exec: Rebels involved in Mamasapano clash face exclusion

From the Sun Star-Manila (Sep 12): MILF exec: Rebels involved in Mamasapano clash face exclusion

MORO rebels who took part in the Mamasapano bloodbath face expulsion from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) if proven that they violated the rules of the revolutionary group, an MILF official said Thursday.

"The sanction of the disciplinary actions will depend (on the violation that they had committed). Maybe, it's not only suspension but termination," said MILF peace panel chairman Mohagber Iqbal.

Iqbal said the MILF is committed to its investigation regarding the January 25 incident in Maguindanao that resulted in the death of 44 police commandos.

He said that the rebel group is "sticking to the truth."

Iqbal, however, was distressed that most Filipinos doubt the sincerity of the MILF in conducting its probe on the so-called "misencounter" between the Moro rebels and the Philippine National Police - Special Action Force.

"(I understand), there is outrage and too much emotion. The nation is really wounded as a result of this tragic incident," Iqbal said. "(But) we will not whitewash the investigation of the MILF because we are seeking for truth."

Iqbal added that the MILF was not against the PNP-SAF.

He said that if there was an "enemy" it was the lack of coordination of the PNP-SAF with the revolutionary group for the arrest Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, in the MILF's home.

But Igbal said they see that the Aquino administration is serious in the ongoing probe on the Mamasapano incident.

Despite the bloodbath, Iqbal hopes that the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law will be passed into law.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2015/02/12/milf-exec-rebels-involved-mamasapano-clash-face-exclusion-391841