De Lima urges MILF to yield combatants involved in slay of 44 SAF men

MANILA, Philippines – Although the government still has no authority to compel the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to surrender its members involved in the Mamasapano clash last Jan. 25, it can show its “good faith” by committing to turn over its combatants.

“Kung gustong ipakita ng MILF yung good faith and because that would be a palpable sign of good faith. Napakalaking confidence-building measure yan kung ngayon pa lang magpahayag na sila mag surrender or sabihin mag-surrender sa tamang panahon, pwede rin. That will be appreciated kung gano’n ang sasabihin nila,” Justice Secretary Leila de Lima told reporters on Tuesday.

Because the investigation is still ongoing, the government still cannot compel the MILF members involved in the Mamasapano clash to surrender.

“Pwede lang magpakulong ’pag nasa korte na ang kaso. For example, yung charges na i-file ay non-bailable pwede na ikulong, but at this point premature pa,” de Lima said.

The clashes between the members of the Special Action Force and MILF and its breakaway group in Mamasapano, Maguindanao left 44 police officers dead. It also threatened the peace agreement between the MILF and government.

On Sunday, the MILF said it would not surrender its fighters involved in the clashes, citing that it would be the one to impose disciplinary action on its members as agreed on the ceasefire mechanism.

The MILF is also doing its own probe on the incident.

 First posted Feb. 24, 2015 @ 4:32 p.m.