MILF granted access to 4 members with JI ‘links’

DAVAO CITY — The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has reportedly been granted access to four of its members who were arrested late last month for their alleged links with the Indonesia-based Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorist group.

This was reportedly agreed upon after a long discussion between representatives of the government and the MILF in the Joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities during an extended meeting at a hotel here early this week.

The MILF strongly protested the arrest of Sammy Abdulgani, Montasser Ismael, Datu Puti Ungka and Badrodin Dalungan, who were caught in possession of explosives in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao last April 25.

The four were said to have been tasked to carry out bombing missions in various ports in Mindanao.

They have been in the custody of the military after the government refused to release them despite continued demands from the separatist rebel group.

Authorities insisted they have sufficient evidence to pin down the four MILF regulars.

During the meeting, the MILF said the joint coordinating committee should conduct its own investigation.

"The MILF shall be allowed access to the four but I understand it will (happen) two weeks after the agreement granting the access is signed," MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu said.

Lt. Col. Renoir Pascua, spokesman of the Armed Forces’ Southern Command, however, told The STAR that no exact date has yet been set as to when the MILF could see the four detainees.

Kabalu said the MILF wants to have access to their four members to ensure they are accorded due process while in detention.

"This is part of efforts to also verify the claims that they are also JI members," he said.