BIFF, MNLF-Misuari skeptical of latest peace accord

From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 26): BIFF, MNLF-Misuari skeptical of latest peace accord

Spokesmen of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Moro National Liberation Front-Misuari Group (MNLF-Misuari) have extended their congratulatory messages  to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the government for recently reaching peace accord in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. However, both spokespersons Abu Misry Mama (BIFF) and Emmanuel Fontanilla  (MNLF-Misuari) don’t believe it will solve the peace problem in Mindanao.

In an interview with Manila Bulletin on Sunday, Misry was dismissive of the latest peace accord.

“Congratulations po sa kanila (to them),” Misry said then laughed.

“Pero hanggang pirma lang yan, sa implementation parang malabo yata (It’s only good until signing, implementation doesn’t seem clear),” Misry told the Manila Bulletin.

He added that the BIFF will continue its fight to establish an independent Islamic state in Mindanao.

Part of the accord signed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Saturday was for the MILF to abandon their armed struggle in exchange for much broader autonomy in regions in Mindanao that will be under the MILF’s control.

“We are not fighting for autonomy, we are for an independent Islamic state here”, Misry insisted.

For the MNLF-Misuari faction, Fontanilla told Manila Bulletin that while they appreciate the efforts of the MILF and the government, the new peace accord does not represent the concrete solution to the problems in Mindanao because only a few people and group were involved in the process.

“Where are the Tausugs, Yakans, Badjaos and the Maranaos?” Fontanilla asked.

He added that the perceived solution is only an illusion and a deceitful action of Malacañang to serve its political agenda and accommodate the United States of America’s (USA) and Malaysia’s interests in the natural resources of Mindanao particularly its oil reserves.

Both Misry and Fontanilla believe that the peace accord will not prosper as various sectors and groups in Mindanao will oppose it during plebiscite.

http://www.mb.com.ph/biff-milf-misuari-skeptical-of-latest-peace-accord/