MILF Northeastern Mindanao Front backs govt’s peacebuilding efforts

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 6, 2021): MILF Northeastern Mindanao Front backs govt’s peacebuilding efforts (By Claire R. Gigje)

BUTIG, Lanao del Sur, June 6 (PIA)--Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Northeastern Mindanao Front through its commander Parliament Member Basit “Jannati” Mimbantas” Abbas conveyed its commitment to support the peacebuilding efforts of the government through engaging in educational campaign deliberately for Bangsamoro citizens.

“We are here to strengthen our peacebuilding efforts in the Bangsamoro by implementing, launching or participating in the information and education campaign (IEC) on the normalization of the Bangsamoro peace process which is spearheaded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), and PNP force and Development Center (PPDC),” he said in the launching of mobile rice mill project at Camp Bushra Somiorang in the province of Lanao del Sur Friday, June 4.

According to Abbas, the IEC will serve as the platform for different participants to deepen their understanding of the political and normalization tracks of the Bangsamoro peace process.

He stressed that their partaking in various governmental endeavors is driven by their desire to promote a solid relationship to their citizenry as they believe that it is the peacebuilding initiative that posts the realization that one cannot prosper without the other.

“We are here to establish strong ties among ourselves. We are one body and one soul… The right hand will protect the left hand and all the organs of our body will take care of each other or otherwise, the body will be destroyed. A house divided cannot stand,” stated Abbas.

Meanwhile, the front commander reminded his constituents of their major mission which is to reform their society which they believe has been ‘corruptive’ for centuries.

He maintained that what they are fighting for does not signify personal interest, position and honor, rather, it implies their noble struggle to establish lasting peace, justice, happiness, and prosperity for the people and the children of the coming generations.

Abbas also refreshed the public that the BARMM is and will always be everyone’s treasure and not just of one individual.

“The Bangsamoro autonomous government is all ours. This is not a personal property of the MILF nor the MNLF. Sa atin lahat ang BARMM [BARMM is for all of us], both Muslims, Christians and indigenous people,” he emphasized.

Abbas then called on his people to inculcate in mind the change they want which they think will lead them to the betterment of their society.

With this, he finally enjoins the current administration to support the extension of the Bangsamoro transition authority.

“That is why we and our people are asking for the extension of the BTA in order to fulfill and implement in its totality all the signed agreements between the government of the Philippines and the MILF. This is not an extension of power but an extension of the mandate of the Bangsamoro transition authority,” Abbas urged. (CRG/ PIA-ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1077349