MILF Task Force Sajahatra hopeful on the success of FAB to end conflict in Mindanao

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 22): MILF Task Force Sajahatra hopeful on the success of FAB to end conflict in Mindanao

The management of the Task Force Sajahatra Bangsamoro of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is looking forward to the realization of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) for the achievement of lasting peace in Mindanao.

Sheikh Mahmud Ahmad, member of the said task force and the executive director of the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BMLI) said that with the implementation of the FAB, the situation in Mindanao could be be back to normal, "No gun fires and people, both Christians and Muslims will live an orderly life."

"The needs of the Bangsamoro people will be met," he added.

Ahmad is also optimistic that details on the next annexes will be agreed and signed by peace panels of the MILF and the national government.

Both panel signed the wealth-sharing annex of the FAB July 13 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Ahmad said that whenever the FAB will be established, President Benigno Aquino III could be the first Philippine president to be considered as international peacemaker.

He also called for the cooperation of every individual in the peace panels to work hard for the ongoing peace talks as he believes that the president himself is eager to implement the agreement.

He also asked ‘peace spoilers’ to stop disseminating information on the downfall of the peace process.

Meanwhile, the BMLI executive director emphasized that the Task Force Sajahatra Bangsamoro together with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) are conducting validation on areas covered by the FAB for the implementation of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program to determine the needs of the beneficiaries.

The program which was launched February this year focuses on extending livelihood, education and health assistance to the Bangsamoro people.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2301374473659