Duterte envoys beef up peace ties with MILF ‘rogue’ commander

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 27): Duterte envoys beef up peace ties with MILF ‘rogue’ commander

The ongoing peace process between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) got a much-needed gain after President Rodrigo Duterte’s envoys were able to touch base with an alleged MILF renegade commander.

Ernesto A. Alcanzare, lead organizer of a peace education and advocacy campaign Yes for Peace, shared the positive news through an email sent to PIA-NCR, which detailed the mission undertaken by government representatives when they head out to the mountain lair of Commander Bravo, whose real name is Abdullah Macapaar, on Nov. 10.

Alcanzare said the team was composed of Presidential Adviser on OFWs and Muslim Concerns Secretary Abdullah Dabs Mama-o as Head of Delegation; Mama S. Lalanto, al Haj, former Asst Postmaster General & Member of the Board of Directors of the Philippine Postal Corporation and Adviser of Yes for Peace; Atty Jam Dimaporo – Head, National Bureau of Investigation of Iligan City representing the civilian security sector; Mayor Casan Maquiling–Municipality of Munai, Lanao del Norte representing the Local Government units; and Bai Monera Maquiling–Lalanto who served the link to Commander Bravo representing women.

He said Commander Bravo (MILF Northwestern Mindanao Front), was accompanied by representatives of the MILF Central Committee and MILF Brigade Commanders Abu Hanif and Anu Anisa with other MILF Commanders.

DXSM Radio Manager Abu Mujahid Mamutuk was mutually accepted by both parties to be part of the process for objective coverage as well as witness the proceedings of the meeting, he said.

During the meeting, the representatives of the MILF Central Committee reiterated that they will abide by the provisions of the peace agreement prior to the signing of a Final Peace Agreement and support President Duterte’s Six-Point Peace and Development agenda intended to bring lasting peace in Mindanao.

Secretary Mama-o then briefly discussed the Six-Point Peace and Development agenda of the President for peace in Mindanao and the whole Philippines:

1) Meaningful implementation of the FAB (Final Agreement on the Bangsamoro) and the CAB (Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro) towards healing in the Bangsamoro; 
 
2) Completion of implementation of remaining commitments under the GPH-MNLF (Government of the Philippines – Moro National Liberation Front) Peace Agreement for a just closure; 
 
3) Accelerated signing and implementation of peace accords with communist insurgents; 
 
4) Immediate conclusion of the peace process with the CPLA (Cordillera People’s Liberation Party) and the RPMP-RPA-ABB (Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggawa ng Pilipinas – Revolutionary Proletarian Army – Alex Boncayao Brigade); 
 
5) Peace promoting catch-up socio-economic development in conflict affected areas; and 
 
6) Building of a culture of peace and conflict sensitivity.

Alcanzare said Commander Bravo strongly belied accusations that he will establish an independent government and his alleged links with drug lords which he claimed to have erroneously reported by media based on unfounded claims of those who seek to discredit him as a legitimate MILF founder.

He said Bravo also reiterated his support to whatever agreement the MILF Central Committee will enter with the government and expressed his support to President Duterte’s all out war against drugs.

Alcanzare, meanwhile welcomed the initiative taken by Lalanto to pro-actively bridge the gap between the government and an armed rebel group.

“The success of Secretary Mama-o’s meeting with Commander Bravo organized by Director Lalanto, Mayor Maquiling and Bai Monera Lalanto ushers pursuant to President Duterte’s directive ushers in the most important phase of our campaign – mobilizing people’s participation to ensure the success of the comprehensive peace process,” he said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/261482466314/duterte-envoys-beef-up-peace-ties-with-milf-rogue-commander