Gov't defends Muslim rebel leaders' citizenship

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government shrugged off the allegation that the two leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest Muslim rebel group in the country, are Malaysians and not Filipinos.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told reporters that for the past 17 years, or since the administration of then President Fidel Ramos, MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal have engaged the Philippine government in peace negotiations.

"Throughout this period, their citizenship has never been questioned," he said.

He also noted that both the Senate and the House of Representatives have recognized their legitimate roles in the peace process by inviting them to appear in congressional hearings.

A former government official has questioned the citizenship of Murad and Iqbal, prompting a lawmaker to ask to probe the allegation.

The two MILF leaders were allegedly traveling overseas using Malaysian passports.

Malaysia has been acting as the third party facilitator in the peace process between the Philippine government and the MILF.

Iqbal denied the allegation, insisting that he and Murad are Philippine passport holders.