MILF to hold prayers for 17 fighters killed in Mamasapano clash

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front will offer prayers on Monday for its 17 fighters killed during the clash with government troopers in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, a report on Unang Balita on Monday said.

The clash occurred on Jan. 25, 2015 in Brgy. Tukanalipao between members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force and members of the MILF and its splinter group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

The PNP-SAF troopers were then on a mission to arrest international terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir (a.k.a. Commander Marwan). Forty-four SAF troopers also died during the clash.

According to MILF chairman Ebrahim Murad, it is not the tradition of the MILF to commemorate incidents such as the Mamasapano clash.

"'Di tradition ng MILF na mag-commemorate ng ganung insidente, but as remembrance sa mga taong nagsakripisyo, ang ginagawa ng MILF ay ipinapalabas sa pamamagitan ng kanilang mga prayer,” he said.

Murad added that although the relatives of the slain MILF fighters received little assistance from the government, they are grateful for those who helped them.

The MILF, meanwhile, said it is not in favor of the reopening by the Senate of the probe on the Mamasapano clash.

It said it is wary of the possibility that the probe may be used to ensure the Bangsamoro Basic Law will not pass in Congress.

The Senate will reopen the probe on Wednesday, Jan. 27. —Ferdinandh Cabrera/KG, GMA News