MANILA, 24 February — The Moro Islamic Liberation Front said it would formally protest before the government peace negotiating panel allegations that its members had beheaded their captives as shown in a video released by Malacañang early this week.
“The MILF never did that kind of barbaric act. But our objections will be brought before the panel. We will follow the process ... we have a mechanism under the existing ceasefire agreement which we observe ... all complaints will be brought before the coordinating committee on the cessation of hostilities to be discussed when the panels meet again,” MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu said on television.
Kabalu issued the statement even as President Gloria Arroyo had insisted that it was the Abu Sayyaf that was shown on the footage that was aired on television Monday night.
Several opposition lawmakers had claimed that the beheadings were carried out by the MILF.
Kabalu said he would ask the government to make an official statement clearing the Muslim renegade group.
Government negotiators and the MILF panel will resume talks on March 9 in Cotabato City.
Kabalu earlier told INQ7.net the video showing armed men beheading their captives was “recycled,” saying the same was shown in 2000 by the Estrada administration to convince businessmen and religious groups to support the launching of an all-out war against the MILF.
He added the government is using the footage this time to expose the “barbarism” of the Abu Sayyaf bandits to justify the deployment of American troops in Basilan and Zamboanga City for the Balikatan 02-1 exercises.
“This just shows the administration employing deception ... “ Kabalu said.
Government troops overran a number of MILF camps in 2000, including the Muslim secessionists main lairs, Camp Abubakar in Cotabato province and Camp Busrah in Lanao del Sur.
