MILF returns #SAF44 weapons

 

Source: RPN9

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) turned over on Wednesday (February 18) some of the high powered firearms that were taken from the #Fallen44 during the bloody clash in Mamasapano last January 25.

The mere sight of the weapons was more than enough to bring back memories of the fallen Special Action Force (SAF) commandos of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

It was also a daunting task for the police officers assigned to document the firearms, especially since their former owners were close comrades.

The MILF formally turned over items belonging to SAF troops more than three weeks since the bloody encounter — including two machine guns, 14 M4 rifles, and a mobile phone.

The accessories of some of the rifles such as M203 grenade launchers and holographic scope were kept intact.

Many other parts of the firearms, however, were either missing or have been replaced.

The magazines of ammunition were also empty. There were no pistols, bullet-proof vests, uniforms, and other personal belongings.

The MILF said the missing pieces could have gone into the hands of other lawless groups, including armed civilians in Mamasapano.

The process of retrieving the firearms was also a difficult process, the group added.

Aside from the fact that 18 MILF members were also killed in the clash, the rebels found it odd to be returning what should have been spoils of war or war booties.

But the MILF complied nevertheless, citing that no less than President Benigno Aquino III who made the request.

"They were moved because they saw the president is very sincere on pushing for the peace process. So kung hindi nila gagawin ito, napaka ano na. It's a sign of respect to the president," said Brig. Gen. Carlito Alvarez, chairman of the government panel in the Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH).

The joint ceasefire committees validated the firearms to ensure that these actually belonged to SAF.

Still, these weapons will be turned over to the PNP crime lab for further examination, and will then be submitted to the PNP Board of Inquiry.

"So far, 'yun ang nakaya namin, but 'yun na nga, uulitin ko, hindi pa tapos 'yung efforts namin. Tingnan natin, baka sakaling meron pa dyan natitira, hahanapin po namin 'yan," said MILF peace panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal.

Iqbal's counterpart from the government side, Miriam Coronel Ferrer, for her part, said: "Isang hakbang lamang ito (return of SAF weapons) para manumbalik kung ano man ang nakuha na naming tiwala at pag-asa dito sa ating prosesong pangkapayapaan… Alam po namin marami pa tayong kailangan gawin upang mabalik ang tiwala ng mamayanan."

Partial response

Malacañan, meanwhile, considered the MILF's action to return the SAF weapons as a “partial response” to the president’s appeal.

Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma explained Wednesday this would form part of the MILF’s commitment to show concrete proof that they can be trusted.

"Ang pagsoli ng mga armas ay bahagyang tumutugon sa naunang panawagan ng Pangulong Aquino na magpakita ng konkretong katibayan ang MILF na sila ay maaring pagkatiwalaan bilang katuwang ng pamahalaan sa prosesong pangkapayapaan," said Coloma

Previously, Aquino appealed for the help of the MILF – as a partner in the peace process in bringing justice to the fallen troopers.

Aquino cited three situations where the Moro rebel group can show its sincerity – by helping in the search for Basit Usman, by making sure that those involved in the bloody clash will be held accountable, and by returning the remaining firearms and personal belongings of the #SAF44. — 9News Online, with reports from David Santos and Anjo Alimario