GIBO: MILF MAY BE HIDING SOMETHING ON SINNOTT'S ABDUCTION
FORT DEL PILAR, BAGUIO CITY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009 (STAR) The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is either clueless or is hiding something concerning the abduction of Irish missionary Fr. Michael Sinnott.Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro made the remarks in response to threats from the MILF to withdraw its offer to help secure the release of the Columban priest after it was accused of having a role in the abduction.
“We have reports that rouge MILF rebels were behind the kidnapping. What was the response of the MILF? Threats,” he said.
“These (threats) are sign of guilt or maybe they are hiding something,” he added.
Earlier, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno accused the MILF of involvement in Sinnott’s kidnapping.
Armed Forces chief Gen. Victor Ibrado, for his part, blamed MILF hardliners who were against a lasting negotiated and peaceful settlement of the decades-old Mindanao conflict.
“The abduction could have been carried out purely for ransom or maybe to scuttle the resumption of the talks,” Ibrado said.
“The burden now lies with the MILF leadership to disprove the reports we have. On our part we will continue our intelligence gathering to validate and further bolster our case,” Ibrado said.
MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu warned that statements linking the secessionist group to the abduction would set back efforts to resume the peace talks.
State prosecutors have now summoned six MILF leaders on allegations they played a role in Sinnott’s abduction, Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa told a news conference in Zamboanga City.
They include Salip Aloy Al Asree, a MILF brigade commander, who was accused earlier this week by DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno of being behind the kidnapping. – Jaime Laude
MILF leader in Marines' beheading arrested (The Philippine Star) Updated November 08, 2009 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines - Police arrested in Zamboanga City yesterday a commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who was allegedly involved in the beheading of 10 Marines in Albarka, Basilan two years ago.
Director Felizardo Serapio, head of the PNP’s Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-Western Mindanao, said Asnawi Addan Salah, commander of the MILF 114th Base Command, was nabbed by elements of the Western Mindanao Region Police Office and the Special Action Force at the Zamboanga International Airport at about 3 p.m.
“He was about to board a plane for Manila when he was arrested. He was recognized by people at the airport who called the police,” Serapio said.
Members of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) assisted police in arresting Salah.
Serapio said Salah was unarmed and alone when collared.
Salah was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued last July 9 for murder.
Police said Salah was among the 130 people charged in the July 10, 2007 killing of 14 Marines, 10 of whom were beheaded.
Salah is facing nine counts of murder and four counts of frustrated murder in Isabela City, Basilan.
Serapio said Salah was taken for questioning at Camp Colonel Romeo Abendan, headquarters of the Western Mindanao Regional Police Office. – Mike Frialde
Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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