Rebels rap DND chief for ‘baseless’ accusation

MANILA, Philippines – Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday claimed a sub-commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was behind the October 11 kidnapping of Irish missionary Fr. Michael Sinnott and immediately drew the ire of the rebels for making a “baseless accusation.”

Teodoro told defense reporters that a sub-commander of the MILF’s 113th Base Command in northern Mindanao was responsible for abducting the 79-year old Columban priest in Pagadian City. However, he said he “forgot” the name of the rebel leader.

Earlier reports said Sinnott had been handed over by the kidnappers to an MILF sub-commander based in Lanao del Norte named Latip Jamaal.

“We are responding sincerely to the call of every sector, especially the international humanitarian group, and then he (Teodoro) comes and makes (a) baseless accusation,” MILF spokesman, Eid Kabalu said reacting to Teodoro’s statement. “All of a sudden, we will be receiving such kind of comment from a ‘presidentiable.’ He cannot make this baseless accusation, he should listen to his men on the ground.”

Teodoro is the likely administration presidential candidate in next year’s elections.

Ironically, Teodoro’s accusation came even as the Zamboanga del Sur Crisis Management Committee (CMC) has allowed the MILF to join negotiations for the release of Sinnott.

“Governor [Aurora] Cerilles, as chairperson of the CMC, is grateful to the manifestation of support of the MILF command,” said Allan Molde, spokesman of the committee.

Molde said Cerilles is confident the joint efforts of the military, police and MILF will lead to the release of the ailing Sinnott.

“I know that we only have one goal; that is to ensure the safe release of our beloved Fr. Sinnott. Thus, no matter how hard and difficult this ordeal is, I am confident that our unified efforts and sincerity can bring safely the priest back to his home,” Cerilles said in a statement read by Molde.

The CMC spokesman said it was Major General Ben Dolorfino, chief of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), who worked to include the MILF in the efforts to free Sinnott.