‘Govt pact with MILF became a monster’

From the Manila Standard Today (Feb 15): ‘Govt pact with MILF became a monster’

The Moro National Liberation Front on Saturday blamed the government for creating a “monster” out of the peace deal it entered with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which it said only complicated the peace and order situation in Mindanao.

MNLF spokesman Absalom Cerveza said President Benigno Aquino III and his lieutenants developed a “trojan horse” after it abrogated the 1976 Jakarta peace accord and forged a peace negotiation in bad faith with the MILF, which now faces public outrage over the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law following the tragic death of the 44 Special Action Force commandos in the Jan 25 Mamasapano incident.

“They have created a trojan horse, and at present they’re having a hard time extricating themselves after falling into a pit,” Cerveza said.

“The negotiations with the MILF, to me, is a treachery, because we (the MNLF) had an standing peace negotiation,” Cerveza added.

Cerveza recalled that when the MNLF was negotiating with the government, other government, particularly former House Speaker Jose De Venecia, was negotiating with the MILF.

When asked if the MNLF is willing to provide realistic solution to the government to once and for all attain lasting peace in Minandao, Cerveza said “wala na kaming magagawa, kasi kasalanan nila. Noon pa sabi namin sa kanila wag na muna kayong maki-pag negotiate with the MILF, pabayaan ninyo kami ang gumawa ng paraan para magkaroon ng organix reunification ang dalawan group—MILF and BIFF. Eh hindi pa kami nakapag trabajo sa Jakarta andun na si De Venicia nakikipag-usap na sa MILF,” Cerveza said.

Cerveza also blamed the government, particularly Secretary Theresita Deles for concealing the crucial status of the ongoing MNLF-Government peace negotiations that was seriously being pushed by the OIC for its complete and final implementation.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/02/15/-govt-pact-with-milf-became-a-monster-/