MILF: BIAF in full support of the GPH – MILF Peace Framework

From the MILF Website (Nov 17): BIAF in full support of the GPH – MILF Peace Framework

The Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) reiterated its full support to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF in Malacanang Palace last October 15, 2012. Sammy Al Mansur, Chief of Staff of BIAF, made this statement as he led the peace advocacy and constituency building organized by the 118th Base Command of the BIAF at Madrasa in Barangay Madia, Datu Saudi Ampatuan few days ago. The advocacy was part of the continuing information and education campaign all-over Mindanao of the MILF Central Committee on the GPH – MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. “The BIAF overwhelmingly welcome and support the framework agreement, even as he called on all the BIAF officers and men to cooperate in all initiatives and endeavors that pushes for the success of the agreement,” Al Masur said. However, he stressed that the only guarantee for the successful realization of the letters and spirit of the framework agreement is its faithful implementation by both parties according to its provisions. More than 5,000 individuals representing the various sectors of the Bangsamoro, BIAF forces and MILF political officers attended the peace gathering. The BIAF and MILF Political officers urged the government to make the necessary steps in order to address the clamor to halt the arrests against MILF personalities. “As one of the best confidence building as an offshoot of the framework agreement, it is necessary that the government must stop all arrest against the MILF,” a top commander of BIAF pointed out. “We full support the framework agreement and the continuing negotiation but how can we cooperate fully if we are apprehensive of being victims of arbitrary arrest,” he said. The Philippine National Police recently removed the MILF from security threats. Government and MILF forces had been called as partners for peace but if arrest against the later would still be happening then partnership is not strongly founded. “While the peace panels as are pursuing discussions on the cases involving detained MILF officers and members, we must be given the assurance that there will be no more arrest against MILF people,” he added. This call of the BIAF commander is being shared by the thousands of MILF members who had been going to Camp Darapanan and in other areas where the MILF Central Committee spearheads advocacy drives on the framework agreement. Arrests and detention against MILF adversely affect the trust and confidence to the GPH – MILF Peace Process.

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