MILF’s Role in Usman’s Death Shows Commitment to Mindanao Peace Process — Palace

(PNA) — Malacañang believes that the neutralization of alleged terrorist bomber Basit Usman signifies the determination and commitment of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to continue the Mindanao peace process with the government.

Usman was reportedly killed by members of the MILF in Guindulungan town, Maguindanao before noon Sunday.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the MILF showed its being “reliable partner” of the government in peace process.

Coloma said the Moro group has been helping the Philippine government in several law enforcement operations.

“At bago nga naganap ‘yung firefight sa Mamasapano ay matagal na panahon na napanatili ‘yung katahimikan doon sa lugar na sakop ng Bangsamoro na siya namang nilalayon ‘nung Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Kaya patuloy ‘yung pagsisikap na maging makabuluhan ‘yung partnership between the government and the MILF,” he noted.

On January 25, over 44 officers from the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) were killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao firefight.

Coloma underscored the MILF’s sincerity to the peace process as lawmakers work on the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

He said stakeholders are looking for concrete manifestation that can attest the stability of the agreement and solidarity of the government and MILF to pursue the peace process.

“Sa aking palagay ay ginawa po nila at ginagawa naman nila ang lahat para po matugunan ‘yung tanong ng taumbayan, kasama na ang ating mga mambabatas, para ipakita sa kongkreto ‘yung kanilang buong determinasyon at commitment na maipagpatuloy at maganap ang prosesong pangkapayapaan,” he added. (PNA) LGI/LDV