MILF suspends official over 'unauthorized' Malaysia trip

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front had suspended the chair of its Bangsamoro Development Agency who supposedly went to Malaysia without permission. In an article posted on its website last week, the MILF said Safrullah Dipatuan's trip to Kelantan – a northeastern state of Malaysia – in June was unauthorized. "Dipatuan’s suspension was based on his failure to ask for official permission to leave for an overseas trip, which is required for every official of the BDA and other agencies of the MILF," the group said. His suspension took effect on July 15. Rizaldy Piang took over his post temporarily, said the MILF. According to the article, Dipatuan had accepted his punishment despite insisting he did not represent the Moro Islamic Liberation Front when he went to Kelantan. “I do not intend to justify my action on account of the circumstances that brought me to Kelantan. I leave it up to you to determine any impropriety I may have committed and decide on whatever action you may find necessary to address my personal lapse in judgment," the article quoted him as saying. The Bangsamoro Development Agency is the group's development arm, tasked to "determine, lead, and manage" relief, rehabilitation, and development in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao in southern Philippines." Third official The MILF said Dipatuan is the group's third official suspended this year. The first was MILF military spokesman Eid Kabalu, who signed as a witness to the covenant made by the Bangon Pilipinas party led by its erstwhile presidential bet Eddie Villanueva, who lost in the May 10 automated polls. The second was Maestro Felmin of the 105th Base Command, who supposedly participated in the burning of houses in Sultan sa Barongis town in Maguindanao province. Sophia Dedace/VS, GMANews.TV