Loren slams continuing MILF intransigence

If the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will not or cannot discipline its own men, then what kind of justice can the people of Mindanao expect from the group under the juridical entity it is pushing?

Senator Loren Legarda raised this question yesterday as she stressed that the MILF must surrender two of its commanders wanted by the government for bringing bloody mayhem in Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato.

"If this is the kind of leadership that the MILF wants to show us, wherein it could not even control its erring commanders, how can we expect them to run the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity and the whole of Mindanao - if at all it is granted to them?"

Legarda said that the refusal of the MILF leadership to hand over commanders Umbra Kato and Bravo lays to waste its claim to being a revolutionary organization, since the two are accused of crimes against civilians and law and order.

She said the MILF posture is tantamount to condoning the actions of the two and to "admitting that residents of Mindanao cannot expect justice to be served by the MILF."

The senator stressed the MILF can play a vital role in achieving lasting peace in Mindanao, but it must show good faith first by surrendering the two wanted commanders.

Legarda added that the MILF excuse that it has no control over its field commanders was flimsy and undermines its own negotiating position.

"For why would the government negotiate with a group which has admitted having no control over its own men?" Legarda asked.

She also expressed concern over reports that armed groups in Mindanao have been forming tactical alliances, including one between the MILF and communist rebels, and even those with ties to terrorist organizations like the Al-Qaeda.

"What fears me most is that these irresponsible statements that the NPA and MILF are in connivance, would put us on the edge, because we are in a situation where we could not seem to ascertain the perpetrators," Legarda bewailed.

She cautioned the government against using such reports to find justification to declare martial law.

"Are we or is the government in search of new alibi to justify its mishandling of the Mindanao crisis that's going out of control? Legarda asked.

"What are we trying to come up with - a good excuse - a prelude maybe of declaring some Mindanao areas under martial law"