Who did what? Blaming MILF for atrocities 'unfair' - Iqbal

From ABS-CBN (Feb 12): Who did what? Blaming MILF for atrocities 'unfair' - Iqbal

[Video report: Hearing on Mamasapano Clash]

In the melee of battle, is it fair to blame the Moro Islamic Liberation Front for the atrocities committed in Mamasapano when the Special Action Force was also fighting other armed groups?

This was just one of the points made by MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal in a statement before the Senate inquiry on the Mamasapano carnage.

In his statement, Iqbal expressed condolences to the families, friends and relatives of the 44 police commandos who were killed in Mamasapano last January 25. He also expressed condolences for the families of the 18 Moro fighters who were killed in the encounter.

Describing the Mamasapano incident as an "unfortunate encounter", Iqbal said the MILF is investigating its own men to see if any fighter had violated the rules of conduct during combat.

He also pointed that the SAF was fighting other armed groups in Pidsandawan and Tukanalipao, and not just the MILF. ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman earlier confirmed that private armed groups and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters are also in the area.

"The delicate task of finding out who did what, especially the reported atrocities cannot be immediately be blamed on the MILF. That would be unfair. We need to investigate. On the part of the MILF, aside from our own investigation, we push for a truly independent group that would conduct a fair and impartial investigation of the incident," Iqbal said.

Iqbal said that on the day of the SAF operation, the MILF was already working to effect the cease-fire as early as 6:30 a.m.

He said credit must be given where credit is due, noting that 28 SAF men in the striking force were saved through the efforts of the MILF.

"They were already being fired upon by unidentified armed groups. The 28 SAF are alive today because of the efforts of the MILF. Also, it is the will of God," he said.

The MILF negotiator reiterated the organization was not harboring terror suspects Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, and Basit Usman, who were both targets of the SAF operation.

He said the MILF is against all forms of terrorism because it is inconsistent with Islam.

"To tag MILF as a terrorist group is unfair. MILF did not harbor Marwan or Usman. The MILF has no links to these terrorists and terrorist organizations. Marwan and Usman were in areas outside the MILF controlled-area.

He added that there has been no recorded armed hostilities between the Philippine government and the MILF since 2011.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/02/12/15/who-did-what-blaming-milf-atrocities-unfair