Gov’t to take up Al-Barka incident with MILF in Nov. talks, says Deles

Sec. Teresita Deles. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines – The government will take up the Al-Barka incident with leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front if informal talks with the rebel group push through in early November in Kuala Lumpur, said Secretary Teresita Deles, presidential adviser on the peace process.

Deles said issues of accountability over the incident that killed 19 soldiers in Al Barka would be taken up in the talks.

In a radio interview, Deles expressed confidence that the informal talks would push through in early November.

“Because of what happened in Al-Barka, when the two panels meet, they will discuss what should be done so that those that need accountability would be taken to account and so that a similar incident would no longer happen,” Deles said.