From the New Straits Times (Dec 5): Peace agreement will 'cut' support to militants: MILF
JOHOR BAHRU: The historic peace framework agreement between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine government will "cut" the people's support to militant groups operating in Mindanao and other parts of the republic's southern region. MILF chairman Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim said southern Philippines' militant groups including Abu Sayyaf existed "because they are riding on the grievances of the Bangsamoro people". "If the people see a bright future and feel that the grievances are being addressed, then the small (militant) groups that are trying to sabotage the peace process can no longer exist because they will not have support from the people. "If there is no more support from the people, they (militant groups) will gradually be isolated," he told Bernama in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the 8th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF), here, today.
The three-day WIEF, which is attended by 2,100 delegates from more than 80 countries, was officially opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday. The framework agreement between Manila and the southern Philippines' largest armed group serves as the overarching architecture for the Mindanao peace process and provides the foundation for a just and enduring peace there. The historic agreement which was brokered by Kuala Lumpur, was signed by both sides at Malacanang Palace, Manila on Oct 15 and witnessed by both Najib and President Benigno Aquino III.
Murad said the small armed groups that were currently fighting the Philippine government, survived and existed because they could easily gain the support of the local population. Nevertheless, he said the MILF was not ready to lose hope on the other militant groups joining the peace bandwagon, and was conducting dialogues with them with the ultimate intention for them to embrace peace. "So, we are inviting them to join us in trying to build from the framework agreement that we have now, so that the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people will be properly addressed," he said. Murad pointed out that despite the framework agreement was only inked by the Philippine government with the MILF, he was hopeful that other militant groups could embrace the spirit and bring peace to Mindanao and the southern Philippines. The agreement, said Murad, was not exclusive for the MILF but could be embraced by other smaller armed groups. "So, we will make them (other militant groups) think that what we have achieved is not exclusive for MILF but inclusive for other groups too. "We are optimistic that gradually, the situation on the ground will settle down, InsyaAllah," he said with a smile
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