MAGUINDANAO (Mindanao Examiner / July 6, 2012) – Thousands of supporters and members of the country’s largest Muslim rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front have flocked to Maguindanao province on Friday for a three-day plenum that would tackle various issues concerning the future of Muslims in the Philippines and the ongoing peace talks with the Aquino government.
Some half a million people are expected to converge to the MILF’s Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat town where the group’s secluded leader Murad Ebrahim is expected to speak during the assembly.
Von Al Haq, a rebel spokesman, said most of the crowd would come from various parts of Mindanao to participate in the Bangsamoro Leader’s Assembly.
“The assembly is a major part of the continuing advocacy, dialogues and consultations being conducted by the MILF to strengthen unity, solidarity and cooperation among Muslims and their leaders towards the attainment of their noble objectives and aspirations for self-determination, especially now that the peace negotiation is passing through a crucial stage,” he said.
Manila is negotiating peace with the MILF which is fighting for self-determination in the southern Philippines. (Mark Navales)
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