Palace says peace pact with MILF 'very close'

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 18): Palace says peace pact with MILF 'very close'

Malacanang on Tuesday said the government is "very close" to forging a final and comprehensive peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"There are many things under consideration. There are so many details that need to be looked at and there are issues that are precedent issues, antecedent issues that need to be understood fully," said Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras in a press briefing.

"I cannot put one finger into one reason why there's a delay. There are many small things that need to be cleaned up, (but) we are very close," he stressed.

At the moment, Almendras said, the government continues efforts to deliver social services to the MILF communities, including scholarships, as part of the Sajahatra program.

"We’re very eager to do the Sajahatra. We know how effective it is. We now have a specific plan -- where, how, how much, how many, they are now complete," he said.

Almendras said achieving peace in Mindanao "is not an impossible dream."

"It’s not… Definitely, it’s not a stop-and-forget. We are moving there," he noted.

Meanwhile, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte appealed to members of the MILF "to continue to join us in looking forward to sharing the dividends of peace."

"Malapit na po, talagang abot-kamay na po iyan (peace pact), so iyon lang din po iyong ating pinapakiusap sa kanila (Achieving peace in Mindanao is within reach, it is our appeal to be patient)," she said.

"Naiintindihan naman natin iyong frustration ng mga kaibigan natin sa MILF, especially those on the ground. Gusto lang po natin ulitin that we are fully committed to this peace process (We understand the frustration felt by our friends from the MILF, especially those on the ground. We reiterate our appeal that we are fully committed to this peace process)," she stressed.

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