EDITORIAL - Turn them over

Perhaps leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front simply want to keep members from leaving the group. Or perhaps they are doing exactly what it looks like they’re doing: thumbing their nose at the government with which they are negotiating peace. That’s the impression you get from the refusal of the MILF leadership to turn over to the government about 60 rebels who raided two Army outposts in Maguindanao last Monday, in violation of a ceasefire with the go-vernment. The military said the raiders had executed six wounded soldiers.

The raid was staged in apparent retaliation for the killing of Fides Binago, leader of the Abu Sofia kidnapping and robbery gang. Binago is the brother of MILF commander Abdul Rahman Binago, whose surrender together with about 60 other raiders is being sought by the go-vernment. The response of the MILF peace panel to this demand: "Out of the question." The MILF, however, claimed the separatist group would punish the raiders for an attack that stemmed from a "personal" grudge.

Malacañang said the raiders were plain "terrorists" and "rogues" outside the mainstream MILF. This is something even the MILF leadership has not claimed. Unlike in the past when the MILF was quick to dismiss banditry among its members as the handiwork of "lost commands" or breakaway factions, the rebel leadership appears ready this time to take full responsibility for the raid in Maguindanao.

Taking full responsibility should include handing over the leaders of the raid. As MILF leaders said, the raid stemmed from a personal grudge and had nothing to do with the separatist cause. Binago and his men are being hunted down for banditry and must not be allowed to hide behind the Muslim insurgency. To show sincerity in peace efforts, the MILF has committed to assist the government in apprehending criminals and terrorists who seek refuge in rebel-held areas. Turning over the Maguindanao raiders will prove the MILF’s resolve.