Convinced nobody can settle their dispute but themselves, officials of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front agreed to form a joint task force to finally end clashes that have claimed several lives and displaced civilians from three remote villages here.
On Sunday, Mohammad Ameen, speaking for the MILF, said an interim agreement had been reached and ready for implementation.
First both sides declared a bilateral cessation of hostilities last week while further meetings were held to end the hostilities which started on May 5 and already killed at least four persons from both sides and displacement of about 3,000 villagers.
The conflict started when the MILF was to hold a forum on the Framework Agreement Bangsamoro in Barangay Marbel, Matalam,
Barangays Kilada, Marbel and Elian, all in Matalam, formed a peace zone where former MNLF combatants and their families live and farm after the signing of the GPH-MNLF peace agreement in 1996.
Dima Ambel, MNLF leader in North Cotabato, said since the villages are MNLF peace zone he requested the MILF not to carry guns or wear fatigue uniform during the supposed forum on FAB.
However, the MILF arrived in full battle gear with high-powered firearms on the eve of the forum which triggered "misunderstanding" as the MNLF felt the MILF invaded their communities.
The forum was cancelled as sporadic fighting erupted between Ambel's MNLF armed followers and MILF commander Ali Mansur men that also sent thousands of civilians fleeing.
In mid-May, a localized truce brokered by the representatives of the MNLF, MILF, International Monitoring Team and the local government of North Cotabato temporarily halted the skirmishes.
Few days later, MNLF and MILF forces were at it again, trading bullets and mortars after accusing each other of violating the truce.
Ameen said with the creation of a joint task force composed only of MNLF and MILF representatives, a formula is expected to end the clashes.
Ameen said the joint task force was approved by MILF chair Mohammad Al Haj Murad, MNLF chairmen Nur Misuari and Muslimin Sema.
He said the conflict did not only stemmed from the May 5 supposed FAB forum but deeply rooted and triggered by a long standing land dispute.
Ameen said only the MILF and MNLF leaders can settle their misunderstanding as all of them are Bangsamoro people with the same aspirations.
He said the creation of task force was timely as the Muslims will observe the fasting month of Ramadhan starting Tuesday.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=541829
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