MILF: Members with 'terrorist-relatives' are in 'difficult situation'

From ABS-CBN (Feb 24): MILF: Members with 'terrorist-relatives' are in 'difficult situation'

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal insists the group does not have any relations with terrorists, but it can’t say the same for individual members.

At the Senate hearing on Tuesday, Iqbal said allegations that they coddled international terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan are “unfortunate.”

“This is why we are cooperating with the government to the fullest extent so that we can banish these terrorists,” he said.

“Ayaw namin ‘yan, salot ‘yan sa society e,” he added.

Iqbal said, however, that individual members do have relatives with other groups, such as the Abu Sayyaf.

He said the leadership has been telling these members to avoid interacting with them, even if they are relatives.

“But it’s a very difficult situation because they are residing in one community. So it’s difficult to compartmentalize those who are families of Abu Sayyaf, MILF,” he said.

He said the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will provide the MILF with a legal personality to bring these people to justice.

Meanwhile, GPH-Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) chairman BGen. Manolito Orense believes the mechanism put in place by the government and the MILF to respond to terrorism is working.

AHJAG responds to criminality and terrorism, especially in areas where MILF members are staying.

“I have seen the evolution of war and peace” especially in Maguindanao, he said. Orense saw his career grow in Maguindanao from his days as a young lieutenant to being the head of the AHJAG.

Orense, who fought the MILF prior to the peace talks, said he has seen many lives lost and properties damaged.

He said the peace talks have allowed the people in Mindanao to focus on their livelihoods sans the fear of conflict between soldiers and members of the MILF.

Before, residents ran away after seeing government soldiers, he added.


He said government soldiers who would be the first say they don’t want war.
“We have invested a lot for peace. The mechanisms we have in place are actually working and we’re trying hard to make it work. We see this further developing in the future,” he said.
http://rp1.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/02/24/15/milf-members-terrorist-relatives-are-difficult-situation