MNLF invited to peace accord signing – Palace

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 21): MNLF invited to peace accord signing – Palace

Preparations are underway for the historical signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Malacanang on March 27, an official said yesterday.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said thousands of guests are expected to attend, including members of the diplomatic corps, members of the International Contact Group( ICG) and International Monitoring Team (IMT), as well as particular individuals who helped in the peace process over the years.

Lacierda said that Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has also been invited but has yet to confirm his attendance.

The Malaysian Prime Minister had earlier said he will be attending the signing of the comprehensive peace pact. However, developments on the missing Malaysia Airlines flight No. MH 370 remains a priority.

Lacierda said the government had also sent invitations to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

“Wala pa kaming final list (We still do not have a final list of confirmed attendees) but there has been an invitation extended to MNLF,” he said.

Lacierda said the crafting of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is still with the Transition Commission (TC).

“We are hoping that they would be able to finalize everything by March or by April but we need the draft to be submitted to us early so that the Bangsamoro Transition Commission will forward it to the Office of the President for further review. Once okayed by the OP, we will now submit it to Congress and the President will certify it as urgent,” Lacierda said.

Lacierda said the Palace is optimistic that the Bangsamoro Basic Law will be passed swiftly by Congress.

“Hopefully by end of this year, we’ll have the Bangsamoro Basic Law enacted,” he said.

Meanwhile, the One Bangsamoro Movement, or 1-Bangsa (1-Nation) is launching a signature campaign in support of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

The signature campaign to gather one million signatures from both Muslims and non-Muslims will start immediately after the CAB’s signing on March 27 in Malacañang.

1-Bangsa lead convenor Maulana ‘Alan’ Balangi, Muslims in Metro Manila, including those who will come from various parts of the country, such in Mindanao, Luzon, and the Visayas will also hold a prayer rally in front of the Palace on March 27.

“Our organization is now presently preparing for the historic signing of the final peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The Bangsamoro people are anticipating the end of the decades of conflict in Mindanao,” he said.

http://www.mb.com.ph/mnlf-invited-to-peace-accord-signing-palace/