Palace tells MILF: Bring Mamasapano 'self-defense' claim to proper forum

From GMA News (Apr 18): Palace tells MILF: Bring Mamasapano 'self-defense' claim to proper forum

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) should bring to the proper forum its claim that its men acted in self-defense in the clash that left 44 Philippine National Police-Special Action Force dead, Malacañang said Saturday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said this a day after MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar reiterated they will not surrender their fighters accused of killing the 44 in the fateful clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25.

"May tamang lugar para ilabas ang ganitong depensa. (D)oon nila ipaliwanag ang depensa," Valte said on government-run dzRB radio.

She added the Department of Justice is "doing its job of initiating prosecution against prsons who may be guilty of criminal acts under our laws."

On Friday, Jaafar told dzBB radio the MILF will not surrender its personnel linked to the killing of the 44 SAF troopers, saying the MILF were acting in self-defense.

The DOJ earlier said 90 people, including MILF members, are to face preliminary investigation for the deaths of the SAF 44.

Valte said the justice system should have a chance to move. "Hayaan natin gumulong ang prosesong ito," she said.

She also said the peace process is proceeding on its own track, adding the Palace is optimistic the discussion for the Bangsamoro Basic Law will go on.

"We remain optimistic (this) will be given attention by our legislators," she said of the BBL that if passed into law will create a new autonomous Bangsamoro political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/472178/news/nation/palace-tells-milf-bring-mamasapano-self-defense-claim-to-proper-forum