MANILA, Jan. 26 (PNA) — Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo is worried over the clash between members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Maguindanao over the weekend, which resulted in the death of at least 42 policemen.
The encounter happened in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
“Nakakabahala ‘yung ganun, kasi habang pinag-uusapan itong Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), hindi pa nga nagiging batas, may problema na tayong ganun. So how can we ensure na ‘yung BBL e talagang magdadala ng kapayapaan?” he said in an interview.
The Catholic prelate added, “Sa ngayon pa lang nagkakagulo na sila, kaya sana talagang ‘yung control ng military at MILF ay para magkaroon ng trust building, iwasan ‘yung mga ganung pangyayari.”
With this, the chairman of the Public Affairs Committee of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is hoping that a thorough investigation will be conducted.
On the other hand, Bishop Leopoldo Tumulak, Military Ordinariate, expressed sadness over the loss of lives in the encounter.
“I feel sad that lives are lost, be they be of PNP or MILF,” he said.
Tumulak added, “I believe both sides wanted peace, but unfortunately the means they used were bullets. I wish they had the opportunity to talk to dialogue.” (PNA)