Miriam wants separate probe on SAF guns

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago has called for a separate inquiry into the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)’s alleged sale of firearms belonging to the 44 policemen killed in Mamasapano last Jan. 25.

Santiago filed Senate Resolution 1183 seeking a congressional inquiry into the reports that the MILF has been selling the weapons they seized from the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) policemen, the information of which came from the leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) itself.

Santiago cited a report quoting PNP officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina about the sale of high-powered firearms by the MILF for P1.5 million.

“Firearms assigned to the 55th Special Action Company of the PNP are government property and should be returned to the PNP or the Armed Forces,” Santiago said in her resolution.

“The MILF should show utmost good faith in the peace process by facilitating the return of the weapons in accordance with the framework agreement it has signed with the government,” she added.

Santiago said the government should also ensure the MILF has limited access to firearms, especially those issued to the country’s police and military personnel.

The MILF has so far surrendered 16 of the slain SAF members’ firearms, 14 of which were cannibalized.

MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal recently told the Senate during its inquiry into the Mamasapano incident that he was not sure about the veracity of the reports on the cannibalized weapons since he was not able to physically examine them when they were turned over to the PNP.

He also denied allegations the government paid the MILF for the return of the firearms which, he said, was done voluntarily as a gesture of goodwill.

Iqbal said he was aware of only one more firearm that would be returned while expressing doubts that the other personal belongings of the 44 slain SAF members could still be recovered.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano has claimed the MILF has been stocking up on firearms and they even have manufacturing capabilities.

He also accused the MILF of actively recruiting combatants amid the peace agreement with the government.

This claim was supported by Sulu Vice Gov. Abdusakur Tan.

Tan sent a letter to Sen. Grace Poe, chairman of the Senate committee investigating the Mamasapano incident, informing her of the presence of training camps all over the province.

Several photographs were attached by Tan purportedly showing MILF members in fatigues carrying high-powered firearms.

Tan also alleged several Abu Sayyaf extremists were also with the MILF in those camps.