MILF: Be patient, uphold the primacy of the peace process: MILF tells Mujaheedin

Posted to the MILF Website (Feb 21): Be patient, uphold the primacy of the peace process: MILF tells Mujaheedin



A midst the widespread frustration being felt by the Bangsamoro people brought by the non-passage of Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the leadership of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) urges its military forces to be patient and uphold the primacy of the peace process.

“All Officers, Commanders and Members of the MILF Political Wing and the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) are enjoined to strictly follow and abide by the instructions and guidelines of the MILF Central committee,“ the MILF Central Committee said in an official statement released on Thursday (Feb 18).

According to the MILF, the political and military wings of the Front are tasked to “uphold the primacy of the peace process while maintaining their vigilance and perseverance as they continue the consolidation and capability building programs of the organization.”

 

“The MILF calls upon the Bangsamoro people and the other people in the area to remain patient. We urge you to become the beacons of hope in the advocacy for peace with justice,” the statement said.

The House of Representatives and Senate went on recess on February 5 without passing the BBL. Enacting the BBL is a sole responsibility of the government base on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the peace deal signed by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF in 2014.

The MILF conveyed in the statement its “deep disappointment and grave dismay” because of the non-passage of the BBL which is hoped to end conflict and bring development in the Bangsamoro region.

 “This impasse should not lead anyone of us astray and be swayed by elements unreasonably instigating for radicalism. Let us always make reason and wisdom prevail over emotion,” the MILF said.

The MILF said it has done its part by “faithfully complying with all its obligations and responsibilities under the signed agreements,” as a gesture of good faith and sincerity to the peace deal.
In a special meeting at Kuala Lumpur on February 10-11 with the presence of the peace structures and mechanisms, the GPH and MILF peace panels reaffirmed their commitment to the peace process and to preserve the gains of the 17-year peace negotiations.

MILF Peace Panel Chairman Mohagher Iqbal said the BBL can be refiled in the next Congress. The two Parties hope the next president will abide by the peace deal and finally pass the proposed Bangsamoro law.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/569-be-patient-uphold-the-primacy-of-the-peace-process-milf-tells-mujaheedin