Palace: MILF’s Murad, Iqbal are not Malaysian

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang is taking the word of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chair Al Haj Ebrahim Murad and chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal that they are Fiipinos and not Malaysian citizens, as claimed recently by former Interior Secretary Rafael Alunan.

Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. of the Presidential Communications Operations Office pointed out that both Murad and Iqbal have been engaged by the Philippine government in peace negotiations for the past 17 years.

He said this dated back to the Ramos administration when Alunan was secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government. Alunan served from 1992 to 1996.

“Throughout this period, their citizenship has never been questioned. In fact, both houses of Congress have recognized their legitimate roles in the peace process by inviting them to appear in congressional hearings,” said Coloma.

Coloma said that Iqbal has likewise spoken in media that both he and Murad have Philippine passports only, an admission which would render baseless Alunan’s claim in his Facebook account that the two MILF leaders were Malaysian citizens.

Davao Rep. Karl Alexei Nograles was quick to ride  on Alunan’s unverified claim as a basis for Congress to investigate Murad and Iqbal.

Coloma said the government remained committed to implementing a peace pact with the MILF despite the backlash from the Mamasapano mission which led to the death of 44 Special Action Force commandos, 18 MILF rebels and five civilians.

“Both sides continue to work on confidence-building measures and on seeing to it that an acceptable Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) may be enacted by Congress within the time frame set by the leadership of both Houses. Government remains firmly committed to establishing enduring peace, which is built on a foundation of mutual trust,” Coloma said.