Iqbal: MILF won't surrender SAF 44's killers

MANILA, Philippines - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Tuesday reiterated that they will not surrender their members involved in the encounter with the Philippine National Police-Special Action Forces in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said in an interview with radio dzMM that surrendering their members to the government is not part of the ceasefire agreement.

"May namatay sa kanila, may namatay sa amin, bakit po nila ipipilit sa 'min na wala naman po sa kasunduan namin, na kung ganun ang mangyari, isu-surrender namin ang pwersa namin?" Iqbal said.

Iqbal further stressed that the MILF should not be blamed for the deaths of 44 police commandos during the armed encounter. The group also lost 18 of its members during the clash.

"Hindi ho kami ang may kasalanan. Pumasok sila walang coordination, full-battle gear, nagkaroon ng engkwentro... and then after that, kami po ang sisisihin?" the MILF chief peace negotiator added.

Iqbal also called on the public to look at the "big picture" regarding the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Several lawmakers withdrew their support from the proposed BBL following the Mamasapano incident.

"Itong BBL, susi po ito sa kapayapaan, susi po ito sa development and progress sa Mindanao," Iqbal said.

The MILF earlier warned that a diluted BBL would only worsen the problems in Mindanao.

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