MILF’s role in killing Usman to boost confidence in peace process –Palace

The role of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front's (MILF) in the killing of alleged bomb-maker Abdul Basit Usman, whose death has already been confirmed by the government, can boost confidence in the peace process, Malacañang said Monday.

At a press briefing, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the MILF’s participation in hunting down the wanted terrorist shows the rebel group has a “meaningful partnership” with the government in achieving peace in Mindanao.

“Meron din naman tayong ipagbalik-tanawin na record kung saan, sa iba pang pagkakataon, noong nakaraan, ay pinakita na ng MILF ang kanilang pagiging mapagkakatiwalaang katulong at kaagapay ng pamahalaan sa peace process,” Coloma said.

The Palace official also enjoined Congress members deliberating on the controversial draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to consider this as a “concrete manifestation” of the MILF’s sincerity in the peace process.

“Mauunawaan natin na ang mga mambabatas ay naghahanap ng kongkretong manipestasyon na magpapatunay sa matatag ng pagkakasunduan at pagkakaisa ng ating pamahalaan at MILF sa pagpapatatag ng prosesong pangkapayapaan,” Coloma said.

Recommended charges vs. MILF still stand

On Sunday, Malacañang confirmed that Usman had been killed in a firefight in Guindulungan, Maguindanao.

MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal earlier said members of his group killed the bomb-maker in the clash, although the military is still verifying this claim.

Usman managed to escape during the botched Mamasapano operation last January 25, where over 60 individuals were killed including 44 police commandos.

President Benigno Aquino III has repeatedly called for the MILF to cooperate in government efforts to hunt down Usman.

Despite the MILF’s role in the manhunt for Usman, Coloma nevertheless maintained that the Department of Justice's recommendation to charge some MILF members with murder and theft over the killing of the 44 police commandos still stands.

“Hindi naman nababago o napapalitan ang mga kongklusyong ito. Patuloy pa ring ipapatupad ang ating mga batas,” he said. —KBK, GMA News