PNP checking reports Maguindanao massacre suspects have joined MILF

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is “validating” information that some suspects in the Nov 23, 2009 Maguindanao massacre have sought refuge with the Moro Islamic Liberal Front (MILF).

At least 92 of the total 195 total suspects remain at large 3 years since the country’s worst case of election violence that killed 58, including journalists.

“This information is still subject to validation by our tracker teams,” said PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group deputy director for operations Senior Supt. Keith Singian, head of Task Force Maguindanao.

Singian said the task force will coordinate with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to seek its assistance in locating the remaining suspects.

Maguindanao Gov. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu said the suspects were seen in MILF areas that are supposedly controlled by the nephew of principal suspect Andal Ampatuan.

“I’m not saying that the MILF is coddling the suspects,” Mangudadatu added.

Singian said they want to be careful in doing the manhunt in consideration of the ongoing peace negotiations between the government and the MILF.

“We want to be careful because it might sabotage the ongoing peace process,” added Mangudadatu.

The PNP also asked citizens and the media to help locate the suspects. – Rappler.com