PNoy spokesperson: Murad, Iqbal are Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Monday expressed support for two Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leaders who are facing allegations that they are not Filipinos.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad and peace panel head Mohagher Iqbal have denied in media reports that they are Malaysian citizens.

Coloma further explained that the issue on the MILF leaders' citizenship should not be a major deal because they have been widely recognized even during the term of past administrations.

"For the past 17 years, or dating back to the Ramos administration, Messrs. Murad and Iqbal have engaged the Philippine government in peace negotiations," Coloma said.

"Throughout this period, their citizenship has never been questioned. In fact, both houses of Congress have recognized their legitimate roles in the peace process by inviting them to appear in congressional hearings," he added.

Former interior secretary Rafael Alunan III alleged earlier that the Murad and Iqbal are using Malaysian passports when travelling.

Congress had been urged to look into the allegations before resuming its deliberations on the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles said if the allegations against the MILF leaders were true, Congress can be held criminally liable for committing acts of treason for selling out the country's sovereignty to foreigners.

READ: House urged to probe nationality of MILF execs

The citizenship of the MILF executives were questioned following the January 25 encounter between Special Action Force (SAF) troopers and combatants from the MILF and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

The incident led to the deaths of 44 SAF troopers, 18 MILF fighters and five civilians.

The Mamasapano clash has cast doubts on the sincerity of the MILF in pursuing the peace process and has affected the passage of the BBL, which seeks to create a new autonomous region in Mindanao.

But for Malacañang, the government and the MILF remain committed to the peace process and will continue to work to strengthen mutual trust.

"What we know is that both sides continue to work on confidence-building measures and on seeing to it that an acceptable Bangsamoro Basic Law may be enacted by Congress within the time frame set by the leadership of both houses," Coloma said.

"The government remains firmly committed to establishing enduring peace, which is built on a foundation of mutual trust," he added.