Tuesday, August 26, 2008 MILF must stand aside: Dureza
PRESS Secretary Jesus Dureza appealed recently to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to stand aside as he reiterated government's will to run after the three infamous MILF commanders responsible for the atrocities in Central Mindanao.
In a statement, Dureza said if MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim "is not willing or capable of bringing in his three MILF commanders to answer to their terrorist acts, then he and his men must stand down as government forces enforce the law."
"Short of that, there will be no let up in government offensive. The military and the police cannot suspend their law enforcement operations unless the three base commanders of the MILF are neutralized and punished in accordance with our laws for their acts of terrorism against innocent and helpless civilians," said Dureza.
Dureza identified the three MILF commanders as Ameril Umbra Kato, Abdul Macapaar alias Kumander Bravo, and one Kumander Pangalian.
He said the three rebel commanders are "historically recalcitrant commanders" who may continue their violent acts even if agreements are signed with the MILF leadership.
"If chairman Murad wishes to bring back on track the derailed peace talks, then he must show that he does not countenance those criminal acts by either surrendering them to the law, or if unable to enforce control over his own commanders, should order hi men to stand aside to enable our AFP and PNP forces to enforce the law," Dureza said.
He added that Murad's perceived inaction will be construed as "tacit approval of the criminal acts of its three commanders and will be a clear proof of MILF leadership's insincerity to pursue the conclusion of the peace talks."
"We want to continue peace negotiations but not at the expense of our laws. We have gone a long way for peace but not at the expense of our innocent civilians who seek vindication for the violence inflicted on them by those lawless MILF groups. Our peace-loving citizens expect no less. There is no all out war in Mindanao. This is waging all-out peace in Mindanao," Dureza said. (BOT)
