MILF’S pitch for independent probe panel will delay BBL -Rodriguez

MANILA, Philippines – A congressman who heads the panel tackling the Bangsamoro basic bill (BBL) said the request of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to form an independent commission to investigate the bloody Mamasapano incident would only delay the peace process.

In an interview with DZIQ Thursday, Cagayan De Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez said the creation of an independent truth commission would stall the passage of the BBL that would implement the peace deal with MILF.

A truth commission may only be created upon the passage of such a bill in Congress. Senators Teofisto Guingona III, Bam Aquino and Aquilino Pimentel III have already filed the bill in Senate.

“That is something that will take so much time. If that will be the case, tatagal din tayo sa BBL at sa peace process,” said Rodriguez, who heads the ad hoc Bangsamoro committee tackling the BBL.

The solid support of Congress for the bill that would create a more politically autonomous Bangsamoro territory was eroded as outraged lawmakers, some of them representing the districts of the slain commandos, questioned the sincerity of the MILF as partner in peace.

Rodriguez said he had met MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal during their last Wednesday’s meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, and told him that the MILF wants an independent commission to investigate the carnage.

The MILF doubted the fairness of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in investigating the involvement of the MILF, whose members were alleged to be among those who killed the 44 Special Action Force members in the January 25 clash, Rodriguez said.

“Hindi nila masyadong ma-accept na magiging objective at fair ang investigation sa DOJ. That’s why they are recommending for an independent commission to investigate the killings in Mamasapano,” Rodriguez said.

The lawmaker assured the MILF that its members involved in the massacre would be accorded their rights as suspects.

He added that only the DOJ could ensure that justice is served for the families of the victims.

“We are all Filipinos. When there is the commission of the crime, there is one department in government to make sure makakamit ang hustisya, and that is the DOJ,” Rodriguez said.

He urged the MILF to surrender their members who killed the police officers as part of the confidence-building measures to regain Congress trust in the Moro group.

“If there are indications, evidence and witness, (that the MILF was involved), then they should surrender (their members),” he added.

The Bangsamoro committee suspended its discussions on the BBL pending the results of the police investigation on the carnage.

The incident that involved the main benefactor of the bill stalled the passage of the proposed measure, which was initially set to be passed at the plenary in March or before Congress goes on a Holy Week break.

Rodriguez said the panel may still pass the BBL in the committee level before the break on March 21 and for final passage on the plenary on or before June 11.

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