BIG STEP FORWARD: Fewer violent incidents reported as Bangsamoro people embrace peace deal
International Monitoring Team head of mission Major-General Datuk Abdul Rahim Mohd Yusuff (seated, left), his deputy Royal Malaysian Air Force Brigadier-General Datuk Zulkafli Mohd Noor (seated, third from left) and other leaders of the team at a recent briefing at the IMT’s headquarters in Cotabato recently. Pic by Effendy Rashid
COTABATO: FOR 30-odd years, he could not celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Aidiladha back home with his extended family. Thanks to the signing of the framework agreement between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine government, the recent Aidiladha celebration was a special one. The local commander of the MILF forces was able to go home to celebrate with his family and relatives -- a joyful homecoming which brought tears to the eyes of many. This is one measure of how successful the Malaysian-sponsored peace talks between the MILF and the Philippine government had been, as seen by the International Monitoring Team (IMT) stationed in Mindanao. It is also a measure of how much hope there is for the future of Mindanao. The Malaysian-led IMT also measures just what the signing of the framework agreement means to the Bangsamoro people by the number of violent incidents in Mindanao. IMT head of mission Major-General Datuk Abdul Rahim Mohd Yusuff said there were only four incidents last month and the month before that. Prior to that, there were about 30 incidents every month. "This is the impact of the signing of the framework agreement. There is a 'feelgood' atmosphere here now. "The locals have gotten to the point where they have no more will for war. "They are happy with the framework agreement and doing many things which they have not been able to do for a long time...."
http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/feel-good-factor-envelopes-mindanao-1.166772
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