PNP mourns passing of MILF vice chairman Ghazali Jaafar

In a message to reporters, PNP spokesperson, Col. Bernard Banac, recognized Jaafar’s significant role in the peace process in Mindanao. (File Photo: Philippine National Police/Facebook)

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) extended its deepest condolences to the family of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) first vice chairperson for political affairs and Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) chairman, Ghazali Jaafar, who passed away early Wednesday.

In a message to reporters, PNP spokesperson, Col. Bernard Banac, recognized Jaafar’s significant role in the peace process in Mindanao.

“From a worthy adversary to a partner in peace, Chairman Jaafar shared the PNP’s aspirations for genuine and lasting peace in Mindanao. By reaching out the magnanimous hand of friendship and peace, Chairman Jaafar sought to make the peace process work through the newly-ratified Bangsamoro Organic Law,” Banac said.

“On behalf of the PNP high command, we express our deepest condolences to the bereaved family of Chairman Jaafar and his colleagues in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority,” he added.

At about 1:39 a.m. on Wednesday, Jaafar, aka “Abu Salih”, succumbed to a lingering illness at the Metro Davao Medical and Research Center, where he was admitted last Monday. He was 75.

The Jaafar family spokesperson, Prof. Raby Angkal, said the remains of the Moro revolutionary leader will be brought home to Sitio Tapuken, Barangay Pigcalagan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, where he will be buried according to Muslim rites.