Thursday, Oct 11, 2012
Manila: The government said it regards the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) as a “partner” in implementing the impending framework peace agreement with another Moro group.
“It is not true that the MNLF had been sidelined in the peace process, we look at them as a partner in implementing the government-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) framework peace agreement (FPA),” Marvic Leonen, the Aquino administration lead peace negotiator in talks with the Bangsamoro said.
Leonen, in an interview aired by the ABS-CBN cable news channel, ANC in a programme hosted by Ted Failon, said the FPA covers not just the MILF, but the MNLF as well.
Earlier, MNLF chairman emeritus Nur Misuari lambasted the government for sidetracking the previous, 1996 Peace Agreement and proceeding with the talks with the MILF without consulting them first. The accord has resulted in the formation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Misuari vowed to challenge the FPA while similarly warning of a possible renewed outbreak of hostilities.
But Leonen said dismissed the assertion that the MNLF had not been consulted. He said the MNLF, including the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) and the government had been taking part the Tripartite Review of the MNLF-Government peace accord.
In that review process, it had been observed that several changes were necessary in the original agreement 1996 Peace Accord between the government and the Nur Misuari-led MNLF.
Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita Quinto-Deles said at that time said: “We can in all honesty say that the Government of the Philippines has not been remiss in responding to the expressed interest of the MNLF to take part in the reform of the ARMM and see through the other elements that will complete the implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the MNLF.”
Leonen also said that Muslimin Sema, head of the MNLF faction that split from Misuari, had also been consulted on the matter.
Key members of the MILF, such as its chairman Murad Ebrahim, were once top officials of the MNLF.
The MILF is expected to formally sign the Framework Peace Agreement with government representatives on Monday at the presidential palace in Manila. Representing the MILF will be Murad and MILF lead peace negotiator, Mohagher Iqbal, among others.
Meanwhile, incumbent ARMM chair, Mujiv Hataman said under the Framework Agreement, a 15-member Transition Commission will be formed by an Executive Order issued by the President. This council will draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law. The said law will go through a plebiscite and ratified by people in the proposed Bangsamoro areas.
Allaying worries of some residents in Cotabato, Peace Negotiator, Yasmin Busran Lao explained that “basic property rights, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and women’s rights will be respected.”
Earlier, Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said MILF fighters may be integrated into the Philippine National Police with the establishment of the Bangsamoro entity.
By Gilbert P. Felongco Correspondent
Gulf News 2012. All rights reserved.
