Aquino gov’t gave Moro rebels P5M

MANILA, Philippines—The government is asking the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to account for the P5 million that it gave the rebel group during the last round of talks in late August.

Edwin Lacierda, President Aquino’s spokesman, made the statement in the wake of text messages that the MILF used the money to buy guns and ammunition for the rebel group.

“Dean Marvic Leonen will ask MILF for accountability on the P5-million fund,” Lacierda said in a text message to the Inquirer.

Leonen, chairman of the government panel in the talks with the rebel group, handed the check to MILF chairman Murad Ebrahim during the Kuala Lumpur talks on August 22-23.

The check was intended for the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute, a training center for Bangsamoro leaders and managers that would serve their communities in the future, according to Leonen.