Peace panel: Greater resolve to pass Bangsamoro law despite violence

MANILA, Philippines — The government peace panel sees hope amid the tragedy in Mamasapano, Maguindanao where dozens of members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF) were killed Sunday.

"This incident and other recent acts of violence by other armed groups manifest the diverse security challenges that confound the peace process," Peace Panel chairperson Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said in a statement Monday.

"But our resolve to see through the process of legislating the Bangsamoro Basic Law and implementing the different normalization programs, including the security components, is only further strengthened," she added.

Police confirmed Monday that 43 SAF commandos have been killed in a fierce battle with Muslim guerillas.

The commandos had sneaked into the Muslim rebel community in two groups, but apparently had a "misencounter" with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the main Muslim insurgent group.

The MILF had signed a peace deal with the government in March and has had a relatively successful ceasefire agreement with government troops in recent years.

Under the truce, government forces are required to coordinate anti-terror assaults and other law enforcement operations with the Moro rebels to prevent accidental fighting. But the approximately 100 police commandos did not notify the rebels before they arrived in the dark, Moro rebel leader Mohagher Iqbal said.

"If somebody barges into your house, what will you do?" Iqbal said.

Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters also engaged retreating SAF members in neighboring village.

Meanwhile, Ferrer said encounters with militant groups in Mindanao can be prevented with "better cooperation."

The SAF team conducted law enforcement operations in the township in pursuit of Malaysian bomb-maker and Jemaah Islamiyah operative Zulkifli bin Hir, known as Marwan.

READ: Defense chief: SAF members killed top Jemaah Islamiyah operative

"This objective of arresting the growth of extremist cells lodging themselves in our interior villlages and sowing indiscriminate violence remains," Ferrer said.

She also honored the fallen government forces, whose "steadfastness in answering the call of duty" and "sacrifices" contributes to efforts toward peace.

"To their families and loved ones, we convey our deepest condolences," Ferrer added.

Following the incident, Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. suspended Senate proceeedings on the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which will create a new Mindanao region based on agreement with the MILF.

Faced with constitutional issues and time limitations, Marcos said the bloody encounter might derail further the passage of the BBL. - with reports from Jim Gomez, Associated Press