ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 9, 2012) – Filipino peace negotiators resumed talks Monday with the country’s largest Muslim rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Kuala Lumpur.
The MILF is fighting for self-determination in the restive region of Mindanao in the southern Philippines.
Chief government peace negotiator Marvic Leonen renewed his call to the MILF so it can sign an accord this year and end the fighting in Mindanao so Manila can pursue peace and development in the region, home to about four million Muslims and 18 million Christians and ethnic tribes.
“The golden opportunity to craft an agreement is the first quarter of this year,” Leonen said, adding “this is an administration that wants to see the solution to the Bangsamoro question in motion when it leaves in a little over four years time.”
Malaysia, an influential member of the Organization of Islamic Conference, is brokering the peace talks between the Philippines and the MILF.
“I hope that the coming of the New Year will move into the conclusion of this negotiation to a final solution to the Bangsamoro problem,” said Malaysian facilitator Tengku Dato Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed, who expressed optimism that both sides will be able to come to an agreement.
In his opening statement, Leonen expressed that the Philippines will “no doubt benefit with a region for Bangsamoro peoples that is not only genuinely autonomous but also one where the principles of good and effective governance is in place.”
Manila has offered a wider autonomy to the MILF, but the rebel group flatly rejected this and insisted on the establishment of a Muslim sub-state, a far cry from its original demand for independence. (Mindanao Examiner)
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