MILF: MILF Open To Play Role In Resolving Marawi Crisis In Greater Regard Of Civilian Interests, Says Iqbal

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jun 30): MILF Open To Play Role In Resolving Marawi Crisis In Greater Regard Of Civilian Interests, Says Iqbal



A report by Mindanews posted on June 27 says that a top official of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said “the group is open to play a role in resolving the Marawi crisis if called upon in the greater regard of civilian interests.”

“It is not impossible, especially if the civilian interest is at stake. If there is a request, the MILF leadership will probably consider the idea,” Mohagher Iqbal, Chair of the MILF Peace Implementing Panel, said in a phone interview by the popular regional online paper.

But Iqbal said they are yet to receive a formal request for their involvement in finding a solution to the siege by Islamic State-inspired Maute group which is now on its fifth week.

In a meeting last Sunday (June 25) with the Maute Group that government said was not sanctioned, Abdullah Maute told emissaries composed on Muslim religious leaders that they will only leave Marawi if the MILF intervenes.

The militants are said to be unwilling to deal with government on laying down the terms of disengagement, Mindanews also said in its report.

But Iqbal clarified that the MILF has never been involved in efforts to resolve the siege of Marawi, although there have been informal overtures like those relayed through the news media.

During the early stage of the crisis, the MILF condemned the militants’ occupation of Marawi and the alleged atrocities they committed.

The MILF and government had agreed on May 29 to create a peace corridor to rescue civilians trapped in the fighting.

Iqbal acknowledged the “sensitivity of the issue” which could give the MILF some difficulties in mapping out an action should the group be tapped, Mindanews further said in its report.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/905/-milf-open-to-play-role-in-resolving-marawi-crisis-in-greater-regard-of-civilian-interests--says-iqbal