Aquino, MILF chair Murad to sign socio-economic initiative

From the Philippine Star (Feb 10): Aquino, MILF chair Murad to sign socio-economic initiative

President Benigno Aquino III and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim will lead the launching of the socio-economic initiative dubbed "Sajahatra Bangsamoro," on Monday.
 
The president and Murad, who witnessed the signing of the framework agreement on Oct. 15 last year, will lead the launching of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro, a list of projects which will uplift the health, education and livelihood conditions of the MILF in the next 12 months in Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview today that the historical launch is a proof of the Aquino government and the MILF's sincerity and commitment to forging peace in Mindanao.

"It's the first time I think that the president is visiting one of the MILF territories or communities in peacetime," she said.

Valte said both the government and MILF troops have committed to ensuring everyone's safety in the event and had joined together to secure the area where the president will visit.

The MILF has been fighting government troops for decades to establish a self-ruled Muslim state in southern Philippines. The Philippine government and the MILF formally signed on Oct. 15 last year the framework agreement, a road map for final political settlement to end the decades-old armed struggle in southern Philippines.

http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2013/02/10/907346/aquino-milf-chair-murad-sign-socio-economic-initiative