International NGO cites issues to be hurdled in path to Bangsamoro peace

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 12): International NGO cites issues to be hurdled in path to Bangsamoro peace

A Belgium-based non-government organization focusing on conflict prevention has said that the Philippine government’s framework peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front must hurdle several issues to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao. The International Crisis Group, in a report (http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/asia/south-east-asia/philippines/240-the-philippines-breakthrough-in-mindanao.pdf) published December 5, said “it was difficult to predict at this stage whether the framework agreement will produce a lasting peace.” It conceded, however, that the political environment was “far more favourable than it was when the last agreement collapsed in 2008.”

“This time around, the president is popular, has slightly over half his term left, and has shown that he is committed to peace with the MILF. But it is clear that there are serious obstacles on the horizon, including whether the basic law will be compatible with the constitution; possible opposition from Christians, indigenous peoples and the Sulu archipelago; the potential for an MILF splinter to grow if implementation stalls; and the future of MILF fighters and their weapons,” the ICG said in a statement. The ICG report noted that as with earlier scuttled pacts, the framework agreement deferred tough questions “and it is unclear how, if ever, they will be resolved.” “Politics in Mindanao or Manila could get in the way, and it may be impossible to devolve sufficient power to the Bangsamoro government without running afoul of the constitution. The MILF is unlikely to surrender its arms until the process is complete,” the ICG said.

However, the ICG-Southeast Asia project director Jim Della-Giacoma called the framework agreement “a triumph for both sides” pointing out that the breakthrough took place “because government negotiators came to the table with creative ideas, and their MILF counterparts responded by being flexible and pragmatic.” .......

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/59345/international-ngo-cites-issues-to-be-hurdled-in-path-to-bangsamoro-peace