Reiterating the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) hand’s off policy on the Philippine elections, MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, said in an interview by Suara Mindanao last Friday that “the Front will not officially support any presidential candidate.”
The MILF issued a memorandum last October banning officers of both the political and military wings of the Front from participating in the conduct of the 2016 elections that includes running for any elected posts and joining in political campaigns and rallies.
The MILF Chair said welcoming the candidates to the MILF camp is one way of establishing connection with “whoever will be the next president.”
“We open our door to the presidential candidates so we can help one another with the next administration,” he explained.
He pointed out the importance of working with the next administration for the peace process to succeed.
Chairman Murad said it is hard to join the government unless a new system put in place. “If you are not able to change the system, it is you who will be changed by the system,” he explained.
In the latest editorial of luwaran.com, the MILF’s official portal, it said, “The hands-off policy of the MILF on Philippine elections will continue to be observed even during the current presidential election in this country.”
“The rationale anchors on the premise that the system of election here is so divisive, elitist, and expensive that in the end many if not most of those who get elected are usually not the best, honest, and capable personalities to lead the people,” the editorial explained.
Although the MILF has policy of non-participation to elections, it does not stop any of its officers and members from casting their votes.
The MILF chairman said they ask the Bangsamoro people to vote for candidates who can be of great help to the peace process.
Last March 27, 2014, the Philippine Government and the MILF signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, a peace deal signed after more than 17 years of peace negotiation.
CAB provides the enactment of the BBL by the Philippine Congress. However, the lawmakers failed to pass the BBL which is a unilateral obligation of the government as stated in the peace agreement.
Despite frustration brought by the non-passage of the measure, the MILF said it will stay in the course of the peace process and will ask the next administration to pass the BBL.
“The visit of the candidates to the MILF camp is a sign of respect and recognition,” a Moro lawyer said.
Presidential wannabees Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and former DILG Secretary Mar Roxas have already visited the MILF central leadership in Darapanan.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/665-milf-will-not-officially-support-any-candidate-chairman-murad
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