Aquino urges MILF to help capture or surrender Basit Usman

ABDUL BASIT USMAN

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III issued a strong appeal to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to help in the capture or surrender of Filipino bomber Abdul Basit Usman, who managed to escape arrest in the Mamasapano incident which killed 44 elite police commandos.

“Ukol naman kay Usman, nais kong ipahayag: Kung nasa loob siya ng inyong teritoryo o nasa ilalim ng pangangalaga ng sinuman sa inyo, inaasahan kong isusuko ninyo siya sa mga awtoridad. Kung hindi, ay gawin ang lahat upang tumulong sa pagdakip sa kanya. At kung hindi pa rin maaari ito, ay huwag makiaalam sa aming pag uusig kay Usman,” Aquino said in a televised address on Friday night.

(Now about Usman, let me state: If he remains within your territory, or is protected by one of your members, we expect you to surrender him to the authorities. If not, we expect you to do everything you can to help capture him. And if even this is not possible, do not interfere with our pursuit of Usman.)

Aquino also issued a warning to any group or individuals who will try to hinder pursuit operations against Usman:

‘‘Magsilbi sana itong babala at paalala: Huhulihin namin si Usman, anuman ang maging desisyon ninyo, sino man ang kumukupkop sa kanya, at saan man siya nagtatago. Walang dapat magduda: Magkatuwang ang adhikain natin para sa kapayapaan at katarungan. Sa mga naliligaw naman ng landas, na magtatangka pang humadlang sa pagtugis namin kay Usman, tandaan  na ninyo: Estado ang kalaban ninyo, at sasagasaan namin kayo.

(May this serve as a warning and a reminder: We will get Usman, whatever you decide, regardless of who provides a safe haven for him, regardless of where he may be hiding. Let no one doubt: We are partners in pursuing peace and justice. To those who have lost their way, who would still stand in our way, remember this: You are fighting the State, and we will run you over.)

A covert operation by the Philippine National Police’s Special Action Force last Jan. 25 was intended to arrest Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and Usman.

Marwan, an international terrorist, was likely killed in the operations, according to the US Federal Bureau of Investigation but Usman escaped.

The government has a ceasefire agreement with the MILF, but because of lack of coordination, the latter fought back in the clashes.

The security forces also battled with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. A supposed lack of coordination with the military delayed reinforcements which resulted to the death of 44 members of the SAF, the biggest loss of life in the elite unit’s history.

Aquino also asked the MILF to limit the actions of the BIFF, their breakaway group who is opposed to the peace process.

The MILF has previously denied coddling Marwan and Usman.