Cayetano: If Iqbal is Malaysian, his rebellion becomes ‘invasion’

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday said Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal’s refusal to reveal his real name is not helping debunk allegations that he is not a Filipino citizen.

Speaking to dzMM, Cayetano said finding out the real name of Iqbal is important in determining whether the MILF chief negotiator is indeed a Filipino and thus has the legitimacy to talk peace with the Philippine government.

”Ang malaking isyu dito ay kung Pilipino ba o Malaysian si Iqbal at iba niyang kasama,” Cayetano said. ”Mayroong persistent rumors na mayroon silang Malaysian passport kaya natin hinihingi ang tunay na pangalan.”

Cayetano said if rumors are true that Iqbal is Malaysian, then the MILF’s act would be tantamount to invasion.

”Ang punto ay dapat siyang kausapin lang natin kung siya ay Pilipino… kapag iba ang nationality mo at magrerebelde ka dito sa bansa, invasion o gyera ang hinahanap mo,” he said.

Iqbal said in a Senate hearing that his use of a nom de guerre (war name) is for his security. He also said in a House hearing that he is a Filipino by “citizenship” and a Bangsamoro by ”identity.”

Cayetano, who has turned critical of the BBL in the wake of the Mamasapano clash, said he will do all that he can to get the real name of Iqbal.

”Personally, one way or the other ilalabas natin ang tunay na pangalan niyan at titignan ko na kung bakit tinatago ang pangalan. Hindi siya covert operative ng MILF. Siya ay peace negotiator at siya ang pampublikong mukha,” Cayetano said.

Source: ABS-CBN News