DFA says Iqbal has valid PH passport

Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/RAFFY LERMA

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed Wednesday that Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal has a valid Philippine passport.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, in an interview with the ABS-CBN News Channel’s “Headstart,” issued the statement after reports have surfaced that Iqbal holds a Malaysian passport and is not a Filipino.

READ: Iqbal, Murad may be using different names in passports, says BI

Del Rosario said MILF chief negotiator Iqbal carries a valid PH passport “supported by his personal record.”

“That’s the extent of my knowledge,” Del Rosario said, adding that he has not seen Iqbal’s passport.

Del Rosario, however, said that the DFA would have to seek counsel before it could disclose Iqbal’s real name.

In March, Iqbal has provided the media a scanned or photographed copy of his Philippine passport, however, some of his personal details, including his legal name, were covered in ink.

READ: Is Mohagher Iqbal a Malaysian?

This is to refute reports that he holds a Malaysian passport and is not a Filipino.

During the senate investigation on the Mamasapano debacle, Iqbal has admitted that the name “Mohagher Iqbal” was an alias, which is one of the several others he uses.

READ: Iqbal: Yes, I have many aliases

Iqbal pleaded with senators to not compel him to reveal his true identity, citing security risks to him and his family.

The MILF chief negotiator has declined to disclose his real name but has said that the DFA has issued him a passport. IDL