Malacanang open to holding talks with several Muslim groups

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30): Malacanang open to holding talks with several Muslim groups

Malacañang is open to hold talks with several Moro groups that have expressed dismay over the ongoing peace deal between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

"Kahit bago pa pirmahan ang framework agreement, bukas tayo sa sentimiyento ng stakeholders natin. We're open to all stakeholders on this kasi lahat tayo may taya dito. Bukas tayo sa pakikinig lalo pagdating dito," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte told a media briefing.

The Palace reiterated its appeal for the Moro groups to give the framework agreement a chance which, it said, would benefit the entire Bangsamoro community.

"Ang apila natin sa kanila, give the Bangsamoro Framework a chance. Tignan natin ano nilalaman at aspirations ng framework agreement," Valte said.

On Tuesday, members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters waylaid a 10-wheeler fuel tanker along the highway in Guindolongan, Maguindanao, prompting military authorities to temporarily close the passage for the safety of the motorists.

The fuel tanker was on its way to Cotabato City from South Cotabato when ambushed along Barangay Bagan, Guindolongan.

Valte said the Palace is hopeful this latest incident would not affect the ongoing peace talks.

"Sana hindi naman. Ngayon ang concern natin... at sabi ng AFP, commuters have been asked to avoid that particular highway," she said.

"Ina-assure natin ang mga tao dun that operations are continuing to make it passable at the soonest possible time," she added.

The government is in the homestretch in striking a peace deal with the MILF which is expected to result in a Bangsamoro Political Entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The BIFF is apparently hell-bent in derailing the peace talks by launching attacks against authorities and civilians.

Aside from the BIFF, the Nur Misuari-led Moro National Liberation Front also expressed dismay over the framework agreement.

Last week, Misuari threatened that they would declare Bangsamoro independence if the government abrogates the 1996 peace agreement between the government and the MNLF.

Rebels simultaneously harassed an Army detachment in Datu Piang town in Maguindanao and fired upon houses in Maitum-a-ig bordering the municipalities of Datu Saudi and Datu Unsay towns, triggering gunbattles with military forces in the area.

On Monday, government militiamen killed in an encounter Ebrahim Talenxa, a close aide of BIFF chieftain Ameril Umbra Kato who bolted out from the MILF last year to form the BIFF due to ideological differences.

Angered by the incident, the rebels bent their ire on two farming villages in Midsayap, North Cotabato, and killed a farmer before launching their attacks in Maguindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=549530