Cayetano: MILF wants power more than peace

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano said that the "misencounter" between the Philippine National Police-Special Actions Force and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Maguindanao last Sunday was a preview of what would happen once the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is passed.

Cayetano stressed that the MILF does not show any effort to prove genuine sincerity for the peace process.

"We are focused on peace but the government is surrendering to the MILF. What is clear is that this is an indication of how they would act in case the BBL is passed into law, which is to run their areas like a dictatorship," Cayetano said.

The Senate Majority Leader suspects that the MILF plans to put up a "totalitarian kingdom" which would be a safe haven for terrorists.

"Ngayon pa lang na hindi pa binibigay ang areas nila ay ganyan na ang ginagawa, paano pa kung me kapangyarihan na sila? Bawal ang pulis, bawal ang law enforcement at bawal ang walang coordination," Cayetano added.

The MILF warned the government against entering Maguindanao, according to Cayetano.

Cayetano believes that the MILF wants power more than peace in Mindanao.

"There will only be true peace if government is in control and there is one law applicable to all," the senator explained.

Doubting the commitment of the MILF to the peace agreement, Cayetano withdrew his co-authorship from the proposed BBL after the armed encounter at Maguindanao last Sunday which killed more than 40 police commandos.