MILF bucks decommission of weapons, men

From the Daily Tribune (Feb 1): MILF bucks decommission of weapons, men

While it is elated over the pronouncement of the government chief negotiator, Prof. Miriam Ferrer-Coronel, that a peace agreement might be signed this March, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is not expecting “normalization,” including decommissioning of its weapons and forces, to take place within the date.

In a statement on its Web site, luwaran.com, the MILF noted that only a few substantive issues are left for discussion following the successful 35th Exploratory Talks between the Front and government of the Philippines (GRP) peace panels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last Jan. 21 to 25. The MILF, however, stressed “it is no-no to count the chicks before they are hatched.”

“It is also said that only few substantive issues are left for discussion on the three of the four annexes: power-sharing, wealth-sharing and transitional arrangement and modalities. However, by its nature, normalization is not expected to be finished on time alongside the three annexes,” the MILF said.

“It will take the nature of a work in progress, simply because such issues like decommissioning of MILF weapons and forces, gradual redeployment of government troops and establishment of police in the Bangsamoro are very complex and would require in-depth study and research on models around the world and how the experts handled them successfully,” it added.

Following the signing of the Framework Agreement between the GRP and MILF peace panels last Oct. 15, some MILF commanders have expressed apprehension over the provision for decommissioning of combatants and their firearms while there was still no final peace pact.

“While we want to settle these issues once and for all, care and sensitivity are the cornerstones of the parties’ approach,” the Front also said.

The MILF, however, noted the credibility of Coronel as the government chief negotiator for “she knows many things that are hidden to most of us. She knows where the peace process is heading to and how surmountable the remaining issues on the table are.”

Coronel, “like a good driver, knows how to negotiate a rough terrain and succeed (in getting) through it. Besides, she knows that pure speculation is not good. She (will have) nothing to gain when in the end what she said does not happen,” the MILF said of Coronel, who replaced now Supreme Court Justice Marvic Leonen.

“Indeed, it is nice to hear that great news! How we wish it comes true! Frankly, we are inclined to agree with her. We believe her optimism is not without basis,” the MILF stressed.

“When someone like the head of the government peace panel makes a timely and exciting prediction, we want her prediction comes true!” the MILF also said.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/item/9966-milf-bucks-decommission-of-weapons-men