MILF hierarchy begged off anew for no-show at House hearing on Mamasapano clash

Senate hearing on the Mamasapano clash (Photo courtesy of Sen. Grace Poe’s Facebook page)

MANILA — Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal on Wednesday begged off anew, this time from members of the House of Representatives that he cannot attend the hearing until after the internal investigation being done by their group is done.

The letter is addressed to House committees on Public Order and Safety chaired by Negros Occidental Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer; and the committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity chairman and Basilan Rep. Jim Hataman-Salliman.

MILF designated Committee on Cessation of Hostilities Chairman Rashid Ladiasan reads the letter of Iqbal during the hearing who appeal for their indulgence but vowed to attend once they are true with their investigation.

“Since the MILF Special Investigation Commission is still in the process of investigation, may we request that our appearance at the hearings of the committees be made only when the internal investigation is done,” he said.

“Rest assured that we will convey to the committees immediately our availability once we have the results of the investigation,” Iqbal added in signed letter.

Iqbal also reiterated in his letter that the MILF is returning the firearms and retrievable personal effects of the slain SAF men.

“There has never been any doubt on our minds that these rightfully belong to the Philippine government,” he said.