Representatives from the GPH, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and Malaysia recognized the “unwanted, unexpected” Mamasapano incident, citing it as a catalyst to continue on the peace process between all parties.
During the press conference detailing the decommissioning protocol of MILF firearms on Saturday, MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal expressed the organization’s sincerest condolences towards the victims of the Mamasapano incident and their commitment in “pursuing the path of peace”.
He then appealed to the media to report truthfully on the Mamasapano “misencounter”, saying the incident was “not intended by either side” and that the MILF itself lost 18 fighters and have 14 wounded.
He maintained they did not know Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir (Marwan) and bomb maker Basit Usman were in the area.
GPH peace panel chair Miriam Ferrer then said that the panel did not “wish to preempt” the current senate investigations on the incident and asked for clarity and accountability into the process.
“We have to regain the people’s trust. Let our actions speak,” said Ferrer.
She then asked the public not to “lose sight of the bigger picture” and remember the necessary reforms to create an autonomous government that will ensure peace and development in the country.
No message of surrender received
When asked about the role of the MILF in Mamasapano, Iqbal said they are doing everything to approach the problem truthfully.
Ferrer said amnesty and pardons to those involved in the Mamasapano clash will depend on the result of the investigations, though parameters are still under conditions.
She reiterated that pardons are an important part of reconciliation and the current peace process.
Socioeconomic packages will be prepared for the 145 MILF fighters who had their arms decommissioned, with more details forthcoming next month.
Phase two, which will begin this month, involves a joint security assessment between MILF and GPH.
Members of the International Decommissioning Body (IDB) will then continue their investigations into the progress of the peace process.
Protocol signing
GPH peace panel chair Miriam Ferrer, MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, and Malaysian facilitator Datu Tengku began with opening statements from all parties at the conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
GMA News’ “State of the Nation with Jessica Soho” reported last Thursday that the protocol will lay out the steps for the following:
- MILF inventory of their arms and Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) personnel.
- IDB verification of the MILF inventory.
- Ceremonial turnover of weapons.
- MILF submission to IDB of a list on where their BIAF forces are deployed.
- Where and how the MILF arms will be kept and put beyond use.
Meanwhile, the international monitoring team (IMT) extended its term until March 2016 to continue its work in conjunction with the peace process.
When questioned about the BIFF’s brotherhood with the MILF, Iqbal insisted that the two groups were not related, as the BIFF did not believe “in the way of peace”.
“We must come together as a nation for peaceful means. Peace is the only viable option,” she said.
He then said that those accountable for the incident shouldn’t wait for the results of the investigation, but refused to further speculate.
— with a report from Joel Locsin/VC, GMA News
