THE Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) gave refuge to the Indonesian terrorist Fathur Rohman al-Ghozi following his escape from his cell at the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame on July 14.
| Hmmm... Something wrong with this surprise meter. Didn't even twitch... |
This information was disclosed before the fact-finding commission created by President Arroyo to look into the circumstances behind the escape of al-Ghozi and his two companions, Abdulmukim Ong Edris and Omar Opik Lasal, both Abu Sayyaf members. The commission’s 55-page report was submitted to Malacanang on August 26, but the portion showing the MILF’s role in al-Ghozi’s escape has not been emphasized. It was signed by former ambassador to the United Nations Sedfrey Ordoñez, chair of the commission; Justice Secretary Simeon Datumanong and Miguel Varela, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) chair, who are members of the commission. In the report, Army Capt. Paolo Perez, who was responsible for the arrest of Edris, told the commission that al-Ghozi and his companions stayed at the MILF camp in Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte for several days, following their escape.
| "Hi! We're the most wanted men in the Philippines! Mind if we pop in for a few days?" |
Perez, one of the 29 witnesses interviewed by the commission, said he got the information from Edris during two hours of painful tactical interrogation.
The information contradicted the MILF’s insistence al-Ghozi’s group had not sought refuge in any of its camps.
The government has asked the MILF to assist the Armed Forces in recapturing al-Ghozi, who had been convicted for possession of explosives.
| They'll no doubt get right on it, if that's not him on the slab... |
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