MILF: MILF peace panel invites BUC for dialogue

From the MILF Website (Dec 12): MILF peace panel invites BUC for dialogue

A member of the MILF peace panel told Luwaran that they are ready to meet the Bishop-Ulama Conference of the Philippines (BUC) in a round table dialogue any time in January 2013. Abdulla Camlian, a member of the MILF peace panel, was reacting to report that a ranking member of the BUC told reporters that even if they were not consulted by the government, they will still support the FAB and continue their activities for peace in Mindanao. “This is a grand gesture on the part of the BUC,” Camlian pointed out, assuring that even though the MILF is not remiss in talking to priests, pastors, and ulamas belong to the BUC, we still desire further dialogue with them.

The complaint was attributed to Ustadz Mahmod Mala L. Adilao, BUC regional chairperson, who said during the regular Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao that he does not know why the BUC has not received any official invitation from the government despite being an adviser or consultant in the peace process during former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s term.

Mindanews reporter quoted him as saying that although the entire country knew when the BUC, a dialogue forum, was established in 1996 and yet the Aquino administration has not involved it in the peace process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF. “But it does not mean we won’t help in the Framework Agreement,” he clarified. He said, however, that while the Muslim community is happy about the signing of the FAB, most of them do not understand the FAB and where it will take them is still unknown. Adilao said they are still reviewing the FAB and find out how exactly they can help.

Also at the Kapehan, Antonio Apat, chair of Agong Network, a partner of the BUC in its activities especially for the grassroots in Mindanao, said the group has set a series of information and education campaign on the FAB in different areas in Mindanao. He added that the group supports the FAB, more so that they want to make sure that this will become successful.

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