MILF: MILF will always be guided by protocols and mechanisms: Chairman Iqbal

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (Jul): MILF will always be guided by protocols and mechanisms: Chairman Iqbal



“As may be clear already to all, the MILF will always be guided by protocols and mechanisms established by signed agreements,” Mohagher Iqbal, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace negotiating panel chair said during the launching of the book titled “Mindanao: The Long Journey to Peace and Prosperity” in Makati last Tuesday (July 19).

Iqbal emphasized “The continuity of the peace process will, in great respect, proceed along lines already mutually agreed upon, most essentially those stipulated in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).”

Iqbal said Duterte administration has yet to engage formally with the MILF in the continuation of the peace process.

“The MILF Peace Panel remains constituted as to its authority and membership,” he said and added, “We are waiting for our counterparts in the GPH side.”

He cited that the book “Mindanao: The Long Journey to Peace and Prosperity,” a collection of essays edited by Australian National University (ANU) Prof. Paul D. Hutchcroft, is quite similar with the book “The Long Road to Peace: Inside the GRP-MILF Peace Process” by Salah Jubair.

“Journey. Road. Undoubtedly these two words are most fitting descriptions to our aspiration and endeavor we call peace, and the process we undertake to achieve that,” Iqbal pointed out.

“For those who have journeyed this road for more than 40 years, like myself and countless others, we have come to mark the milestones by the advent and exit of Philippine presidents – from Marcos, Aquino the mother, Ramos, Estrada, Arroyo, Aquino III and the new President Rodrigo Duterte,” he said.

Except for the incumbent president, he noted that each of the past presidents since Marcos has made indelible marks on the peace process.

The Duterte administration is embarking towards shifting the form of government to federalism where a state for the Bangsamoro people shall be established.

Iqbal however said they prefer that the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) be passed first and “make it a template for federalism in the country.

The BBL is a legal measure that will lay down the foundation for the establishment of autonomous Bangsamoro political entity with more fiscal and political powers. It will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

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