COTABATO CITY, 23 October 2004 — The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said yesterday the militant arrested in Manila for allegedly plotting to bomb the US Embassy had long been dismissed by the separatist group.
MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu said Abdul Manap Mentang was erased from the MILF’s roster for “conduct unbecoming” and “conduct inimical to the interest” of the separatist movement.
He did not elaborate but added that Mentang was probably being used by military officials “who are out to scuttle the peace process or trying to divert people’s attention from the on going investigation by on alleged corruption in the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines).”
The military on Thursday presented Mentang and three others, including his fiancee, in Manila days after they were arrested for allegedly plotting to bomb the US Embassy.
Military officials yesterday urged the MILF to turn in another suspect, Abdul Jabidi, who was allegedly implicated by Mentang.
AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Daniel Lucero said there were intelligence reports that Jabid was a member of the MILF and believed to be in hiding at an MILF base on the southern island of Mindanao.
Mentang reportedly told investigators that it was Jabidi who supplied the explosives that he and other cohorts used in two attacks that killed 38 people in the southern port city of Davao early last year.
Lucero said Mentang admitted he carried out the 2003 attacks under the direction of a senior JI leader, an Indonesian named Zulkifli.
Mentang pointed to Jabidi as the source of the explosives, Lucero said, adding that Jabidi also supplied bombs for attacks last year at Cotabato airport and a shopping mall in General Santos City.
Kabalu said Mentang’s supposed confession seemed to be part of a continuing effort by anti-peace elements in the military to link the MILF to terrorist groups with the aim of getting the US to declare the MILF as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), the ultimate objective of which is to allow US military intervention in Mindanao.”
“Apparently, the AFP realizes that the MILF strength and firepower is beyond its control anymore,” said Kabalu.
Lt. Col. Lucero said he hoped the arrest of Mentang, his fiancée and two others, would not affect peace talks due to restart in Malaysia next month.
“We just want to remind the MILF leadership that they have signed an agreement with the government and they have an obligation to turn in any terrorist they find in their area,” he told reporters. “We’re hoping they will show goodwill.”
Security officials say there is a small faction within the MILF opposed to the peace talks who may try to sabotage a year-old cease-fire in the central region of Mindanao Island.
