MILF warned against playing hardball in peace process

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front should not play hardball lest it be tagged a terrorist organization, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said on Wednesday.

Pangilinan issued the statement as he expressed disappointment at the MILF’s refusal to surrender its wanted commander Dan Asnawi.

“Their refusal is a blow to the peace process.  Coddling wanted individuals and the criminally accused does not speak well of their motives and intentions,” Pangilinan said in a statement.

Like the government, Pangilinan said, the MILF should learn to bite the bullet “if it truly wishes to see the peace process see fruition.”

“The MILF should not play hardball lest it become tagged as a terrorist organization uninterested in peace and wanting only to sow terror and mayhem until its objectives are met. We are for peace and we challenge the MILF to show that it is truly sincere in wanting peace as well,” he said.

Pangilinan said President Benigno Aquino III has shown his commitment to forge peace with the Moro rebels when he secretly met with MILF chairman Murad Ebrahim in Japan last August.

“Pnoy [Aquino’s nickname] went out on a limb for peace. The MILF should be willing to do the same,” said the senator.

“Pnoy showed his commitment by action and not merely words. We challenge the MILF to do the same. Swift, decisive action for peace is what we want to see from the MILF leadership. Mere talk of peace is not enough,’ he further said.