Roxas courts MILF brass in Sultan Kudarat

From Malaya Business Insight (Apr 1): Roxas courts MILF brass in Sultan Kudarat

ADMINISTRATION standard-bearer Manuel Roxas II yesterday visited a camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Sultan Kudarat and assured MILF leaders he will continue with the peace process if he becomes president.

“We are committed to stay in that path, to continue to look for solutions, to continue to remove the obstacles to the journey, the path of peace and prosperity for all Filipinos,” Roxas said in his opening speech during the meeting in Camp Darapanan.

Roxas, accompanied by “Daang Matuwid” coalition senatorial candidates Ina Ambolodto and Cresente Paez and presidential adviser on the peace process Teresita Deles, was met by the MILF central committee headed by chairman Murad Ebrahim who later told reporters that the peace process has a better chance under a Roxas presidency since he, himself, used to be part of the process when he was interior secretary.

“If it (proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law) will be given another chance, we’re optimistic that the chances will be better because there could be a right atmosphere. The impact and the purpose of the BBL will be seen objectively,” he said.

Murad blamed politics for Congress’ failure to pass the proposed BBL, the goal of the peace agreement that the government signed with the MILF in March 2014.

The BBL will create a new political entity in Mindanao.

The House of Representatives and the Senate buried the measure before the campaign period for the national elections began last February.

Roxas said government and the MILF are determined to work together for the passage of the BBL. He said however that “nothing as important, nothing of great value comes easily.”

“The work of nation-building is never finished. It is never completed. We continue to struggle, we continue to fight, we continue to endeavor for the betterment of our people and for the accomplishment for a good, better, safe and prosperous and secure future for every Filipino,” he said.

Murad clarified that the MILF is apolitical, although its members who would want to participate in the elections have been told to vote for a presidential candidate who will work for the peace process.

He said the MILF, as a whole, will not participate in the elections as it remains a revolutionary organization.

While Roxas was in Mindanao, President Aquino campaigned for administration candidates in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, together with Roxas’ son Paolo and one of three daughters of vice presidential candidate Leni Robredo, Aika.

The Roxas and Robredo children have been campaigning for their parents.

The younger Roxas and Aika Robredo delivered the message of their parents, including their call for support in the May 9 elections.

Aquino was in Laguna for the a visit to the facility of a French-Filipino firm.

He also endorsed local candidates led by Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez and Sta. Rosa Mayor Arlene Arcillas.

Aquino reiterated that as the father of the nation, it is his responsibility to guide his constituents in making the right decision come election day, and to ensure that he will leave the country in capable hands.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/roxas-courts-milf-brass-sultan-kudarat