Cayetano says he has evidence gov’t knew MILF coddling Marwan

MANILA, Philippines—Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said on Tuesday he had evidence the government knew Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was coddling Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as Marwan.

“I’m gathering evidence and we already have preliminary evidence that the government knew and the government knows that the MILF was coddling Marwan,” Cayetano told reporters in an interview.

“So hindi totoo na wala silang conclusion at hindi totoo na hindi alam ng gobyerno na MILF ang nagka-coddle kay Marwan,” he said.

Marwan was killed during the Jan. 25 Mamasapano operation that left 44 elite policemen dead.

Cayetano said that at a proper time he would disclose his evidence to the public.

“In a few days, we will complete our research but as early as now, I can tell you that we have evidence,” he said.

Asked up to what level in government had knowledge that the MILF was coddling and protecting Marwan, Cayetano said, “Let me complete the research but (the information is) very, very glaring.”

He made this disclosure after he expressed his disappointment over the reported agreement of leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law by June this year.

Cayetano was the first to withdraw support for BBL immediately after the Mamasapano incident, followed by Sen. Joseph  Victor “JV” Ejercito.