MILF remains a revolutionary organization, says de Lima

MANILA, Philippines – Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) remains a revolutionary organization even with an ongoing peace negotiation with the government.

“They are still a revolutionary group until mabuo na ang Bangsamoro,” de Lima said Wednesday.

She said while the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) remains a draft, the MILF cannot be considered “subdued.”

On Tuesday, de Lima met with the MILF leadership to discuss the group’s report on the Mamasapano clash where 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos, 18 MILF and five civilians were killed.

De Lima and the special team composed of members from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the National Prosecution Service (NPS) are in Maguindanao for the ocular inspection in Mamasapano.

The justice chief said their investigation pertains to the criminal aspect to identify who should be charged in court.

She met with the MILF leaders saying they want their findings to be balanced because the Board of Inquiry report is expectedly be the version of SAF.