President Aquino and Moro Islamic Liberation Front chair Murad Ebrahim agree to speed up peace talks during a landmark meeting in a hotel near Narita airport in Tokyo late Thursday. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ADVISER ON THE PEACE PROCESS
Del Rosario told reporters the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was “trying to investigate who said that.”
“We’re trying to ascertain who that official is. We will certainly make him or her answer for that statement. We will seek disciplinary measures against that official,” Del Rosario said.
The DFA said in an earlier statement that the unidentified diplomat “does not speak for the Department of Foreign Affairs.”
“The officials and the entire personnel of DFA are fully behind the President in his efforts to fast forward the peace process, including his out-of-the-box initiatives to bring about real, just and lasting peace in the southern Philippines,” it said.
The diplomat, who asked for anonymity for lack of authority to speak on the issue, told the Inquirer on Friday that “a president is not supposed to go on secret missions.”
The diplomat said a rebel leader could “never be the equal” of a head of state, who should meet with someone at his level. The diplomat claimed the DFA was left completely out of the loop.
Del Rosario said he was consulted by Malacañang before Mr. Aquino flew unannounced to Tokyo on Thursday to meet Murad.
Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita Deles said Mr. Aquino and Murad discussed ways to push forward the stalemated peace talks.
“I praise him (Mr. Aquino) for the initiative… It’s a noble initiative,” Del Rosario said.
He spoke to reporters after the 44th foundation day program of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
Del Rosario cited the 10-member Asean for its efforts to preserve peace and stability in the region.