MILF tells North Cotabato officials Mindanao peace is at hand

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 20): MILF tells North Cotabato officials Mindanao peace is at hand

The chief negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)on Monday said the elusive peace in many parts of Mindanao would soon be achieved.

Mohaqher Iqbal said the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) is nearing completion of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Iqbal, together with the commissioners of the BTC, paid a courtesy call to Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza on Monday to bring his message of peace.

Mendoza, in her welcome remarks elaborated the importance of Iqbal’s visit and the meaningful message the BTC brings to Cotabateños.

“It is essential that we engage in consultations and discussions about the Bangsamoro and know what stage of the road map to its establishment it is now,” she said.

She reiterated her support to the peace process and assured the Commission that the provincial government supports peace initiatives such as forum, dialogues and other measures to address the apprehension of the people.

“The time has come for the people of Mindanao to set aside hatred, differences and conflict. We have to come into terms and achieve long lasting peace in this part of the country,” Iqbal said, reading his message in front of the top officials of the provincial government of Cotabato.

Iqbal said that the BTC and the quest for Bangsamoro establishment face bigger challenges especially now that the commission is at the midst of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) drafting.

“The drafting of the BBL will finally be finished in April of this year and we hope for the best that President Benigno C. Aquino will endorse it as a priority bill,” Iqbal added.

A referendum will take place in 2016 to the envisioned core territories of the Bangsamoro.

The BTC came with the delegation from the International Monitoring Tem (IMT) led by Major Gen. Dato Abdul Rahim bin Mohd Yusuff.

With him were other prominent members of IMT whose responsibility was to keep an eye on the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between the Philippine government and the MILF.

BTC Commissioner Atty. Raisa Jajurie gave an update of the Bangsamoro Basic Law and the significant things realized by the BTC from the time of its creation to Gov. Mendoza and the Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through a power point presentation.

The Cotabato Board Members in attendance during Iqbal’s visit were Eliseo Garcesa, Jr., Cris Cadungon, Rogelio Marañon, Kelly Antao, Maybelle Valdevieso, Kelly Antao and Jomar Cerebo.

Col. Alan Arrojado, 602nd Brigade Commander, was also present and signified once more the military’s respect and support to the peace process.

The BTC gave a plaque of recognition to Mendoza for her support to the quest for peace in Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=607314