Tuesday, January 23, 2007 Dureza lauded for clearing MILF in bomb attacks
THE Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) hailed presidential adviser on the peace process, Secretary Jesus Dureza, for issuing statement clearing the MILF of any involvement in the series of explosions that recently hit General Santos City, Kidapawan, and Cotabato.
At the group's official website, luwaran.com, MILF peace panel secretariat head Jun Mantawil described Dureza's statement as "a high valued confidence building gesture that would in many ways help the stalled peace process to reengage."
He said Dureza's statement is a "boost to the peace process" contrary to the "unfair and regrettable act" of putting the blame on the MILF without any solid evidence.
Dureza earlier criticized attempts to link the MILF to the blasts that killed seven people and injured more than 30 others in central Mindanao last January 10.
The MILF is now asking the government to immediately release four civilians, all supporters of the MILF, who were arrested on January 13 and jailed in Cotabato City.
The four were said to be carrying blasting caps that were recovered inside their bags. They however denied the accusation, saying the blasting caps were planted by the police.
The four suspects were identified as Mike Dalama, Andy Kalid, Norodin Salik, and Esmael Abo. (BOT)
