AFP probes MILF 'spoilers list'

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The military is investigating the alleged threat of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front against the top 10 supposed “spoilers” of the peace process in Mindanao.

A senior military official, who asked not to be identified, said he agreed with the observation of former North Cotabato governor Emmanuel Piñol, who claimed that those in the MILF list, including Catholic bishops, should be wary about being considered as enemies of the MILF.

“It may sound as a criticism and shutting back on those who are expressing their sentiment but it could be an indirect order to its armed followers who might want to take the cudgel against the so-called spoilers,” according to the military official.

“We are looking into this. Our intelligence operation reports regarding that,” the military official, he added.

The MILF in a statement posted on its website listed Piñol, Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat, former President Joseph Estrada, columnist Ramon Tulfo, Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz, Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad, Cotabato City Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, Dutch Paredes of Malaya, Rep. Edcel Lagman, and Sen. Francis Escudero as spoilers of the peace process.

Lt. Col. Randolf Cabangbang, spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, meanwhile, said they are leaving the matter to the political leaders.

 “Ours is more on direct threat of security,” Cabangbang said.

 Lobregat, for his part, refused to comment on the alleged “indirect threat” against them maintaining that he is just expressing the sentiment of his constituents.