Pols using BBL to boost bids, says Jaafar

MILF vice chair for political affairs FILE PHOTO

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—The Moro Islamic Liberation Front expressed dismay over what it described as the posturing of politicians with plans to run in the 2016 elections and who were causing delays to the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

“Yes, we can say that the BBL is being taken hostage by the political ambitions of several politicians for the 2016 elections,” MILF vice chair for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar told the Inquirer by phone Tuesday.

Jaafar said these politicians were only taking advantage of the fear and emotions afflicting the public following the botched Special Action Force (SAF) operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, on Jan. 25 that killed 44 police commandos, 17 rebels and three civilians.

He named Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as among those who were active in dissecting the peace agreement and were taking advantage of the issue “to further their political interests.”

Jaafar also assailed Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, chair of the House ad hoc committee on the BBL, for supposedly using the BBL debates to boost his plans to run for senator.

“Maybe Rodriquez is only overwhelmed by his ambition to become a senator,” Jaafar said. Karlos Manlupig, Inquirer Mindanao