Press Release
November 2, 2011

KIKO PANGILINAN TO MILF: SHOW SINCERITY TO PEACE PROCESS BY SURRENDERING ASNAWI

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan calls on the separatist group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to prove its sincerity to the ongoing peace process by surrendering wanted MILF commander Dan Laksaw Asnawi to the authorities.

Asnawi has been tagged in the beheading of 10 Marine soldiers in 2007, and was the subject of an arrest warrant when government troops clashed with MILF forces at Al-Barka, Basilan on October 18.

The government has asked for the MILF to surrender Asnawi, but the group has reportedly refused.

Of this, Pangilinan says, "Their refusal is a blow to the peace process. Coddling wanted individuals and the criminally accused does not speak well of their motives and intentions. The MILF, like the GRP, should learn to bite the bullet if it truly wishes to see the peace process see fruition. The MILF should not play hardball lest it become tagged as a terrorist organization uninterested in peace and wanting only to sow terror and mayhem until its objectives are met. We are for peace and we challenge the MILF to show that it is truly sincere in wanting peace as well."

The lawmaker and peace process advocate adds, "The President has shown his commitment to peace by flying to Japan to meet (MILF Chairman) Murad Ebrahim. PNoy went out on a limb for peace; MILF should be willing to do the same. PNoy showed his commitment by action and not merely by words. We challenge the MILF to do the same."

"Swift, decisive action for peace is what we want to see from the MILF leadership," Pangilinan reiterates. "Mere talk of peace is not enough."

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