MILF: Editorial--MILF not out to grab power

Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Mar 1-7): MILF not out to grab power

The ongoing GPH-MILF peace negotiation is making modest gains especially after the meeting of the parties in Kuala Lumpur last January 25-27. If this trend does not change, the chance of signing of a comprehensive peace agreement is not a remote possibility. How far from it is yet immeasurable to date.

However, the MILF is not taking chances. Negotiation is one human endeavor that is highly unpredictable. It is like mercury that shoots up and down. Before one notices, he or she is already on the other side of the situation.

However, just in case the peace negotiation succeeds, the rightful consequence of which is that a new political entity will be in place. There will be radical alteration in the political landscape and playing field will have to be leveled to stop the monopoly of powers in the hands of the (un)chosen few. The ordinary folks will have greater say on who run their realm. The rule of the guns, goons, and gold will gradually disappear. This is not an easy job, sure.

It is in this light that the MILF wants to say that it is not out to grab power. Pursuit of power has never been in the agenda of its leadership. MILF’s role especially in the negotiation is to deliver to the people a new political entity (in parts of Mindanao) which will have substantial powers and genuine fiscal autonomy. That role, however, is only confined to the two transition periods. It starts from the formation of the Transition Commission in 2013 and continues to the setting up of the Transition Authority in 2015. This ends in 2016 when the regular Bangsamoro government is established. After which, the MILF would transform itself into a social movement and pursues its mission through non-violent means. However, if the MILF opts to hold the rein of government, the clear way is to organize a political party and contest in the election. If it wins the majority seats in the assembly, then it has the right to form the government and heads it. This option is open to everyone. Truth is that the MILF is not averse to groups like the politicians, or even the MNLF to form their respective political parties and try to get into power through the ballots. If they are successful they can lead the Bangsamoro government. The MILF will never stand on the way of these groups in leading our people.

However, if any of these groups wants to coalesce with the MILF’s political party, in case this option is pursued, that can be a good try. Or better still: how about joining hands in moving the struggle ahead and the negotiation to successful conclusion. After all, everybody is welcome into the fold of the MILF. The only requirement is that one must abide by the rules of the organization where no one is above others.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3125:-milf-not-out-to-grab-power&catid=344:gggg