Gov't welcomes political plans of MILF in 2016

From the Manila Bulletin (May 27): Gov't welcomes political plans of MILF in 2016

The prospect of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) establishing its own political party is a welcome development for the Philippine government.

Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Abigail Valte acknowledged that MILF’s political plans are part of preparations for the establishment of the new Bangsamoro region in 2016.

“The government welcomes the political plans of the MILF for 2016,” Valte said in a Palace press briefing.

“As you all know the road map towards the establishment of the Bangsamoro ends in 2016 and, understandably, the MILF needs to prepare for that to make the necessary preparation,” she added.

MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim earlier divulged that they will establish its own political party this year to prepare for the 2016 polls when the new officials of the Bangsamoro region will be elected. Murad said the political organization would promote the welfare of the Bangsamoro people in Mindanao.

The government and the MILF earlier signed preliminary peace deal that seeks to replace the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao with the Bangsamoro region by 2016.  The election of new Bangsamoro leaders will coincide with the presidential polls in 2016.

Valte said she has no information if the MILF would ask the government’s assistance in the formation of its political party.

“However, as to the other initiatives, we will be providing the necessary assistance to them. We’ve seen this in the socio-economic initiatives that we’ve launched,” she said, citing the Sajahatra Bangsamoro project that involves distribution of education and health aid as well as livelihood assistance to MILF communities.
Meantime, both the government and the MILF are committed to implement the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its annexes within the term of the President “so as not to leave any unfinished business for the next administration,” according to Valte.
The two panels are currently finalizing the remaining annexes on wealth-sharing, power-sharing and normalization before a final comprehensive peace agreement is signed.

Asked about the next round of formal talks with the MILF, Valte said negotiators are hoping to set a date soon.

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