Palace defends MILF leaders on citizenship issue

From GMA News (Mar 16): Palace defends MILF leaders on citizenship issue

Malacañang on Monday defended leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) from allegations that they are not Filipino citizens.

In a note sent to reporters, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. echoed MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal’s statement that these accusations were “baseless.”

Coloma pointed out that Iqbal and MILF chairman Al Haj Ebrahim Murad’s citizenships have remained unquestioned for almost two decades.

“For the past 17 years, or dating back to the Ramos administration, Messrs. Murad and Iqbal have engaged the Philippine government in peace negotiations,” he said. “Throughout this period, their citizenship has never been questioned.”

“In fact, both houses of Congress have recognized their legitimate roles in the peace process by inviting them to appear in congressional hearings,” he added.

Last week, former Interior Secretary Rafael Alunan claimed that Murad and Iqbal own Malaysian passports, based on information he received through a Facebook private message.

Alunan also accused Malaysian government, which facilitated peace talks between the MILF and the Philippine government, of orchestrating everything that is happening with the peace process.

On Sunday, Iqbal disputed Alunan’s claims, categorically saying that he owns a Philippine passport.

Alunan’s accusations have nevertheless prompted Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles to call on the House of Representatives to probe the citizenship of the two MILF leaders.

Last year, the Philippine government and the MILF entered into a comprehensive peace deal seeking to create the Bangsamoro political entity to replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Congressional deliberations on the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which will embody the peace deal, have however been halted following a clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, last January 25 that killed 44 police commandos, 18 MILF fighters and at least five civilians.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/453149/news/nation/palace-defends-milf-leaders-on-citizenship-issue