ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 15, 2012) – The Philippines and Moro Islamic Liberation Front ended a three-day peace talks in Malaysia with both sides agreeing on a deal that would extend joint anti-criminality campaign in areas where guerrillas are actively operating.
In a joint statement released by the Aquino government, it said peace negotiators renewed for another year the mandate of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).
The Filipino government and the MILF forged an agreement in 2004 that paved the way for rebel forces through the AHJAG to help authorities hunt down terrorists and criminal elements in areas where the rebel group operates.
The AHJAG is composed of eight members – four from the government side and four from the MILF. The group has five teams deployed in the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Bukidnon, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley
“The 25th round of exploratory talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ended (Wednesday) with both sides expressing satisfaction on the progress of their discussions, and recognizing the many challenges that have yet to be resolved in order to find a political solution to the Bangsamoro Question and the armed conflict in Mindanao. The Parties acknowledge the need to explore creative approaches that will address the political, legal and other dimensions of the problems,” the statement further said.
Peace negotiators headed by Marvic Leonen for the government side, and Mohagher Iqbal, of the MILF panel, agreed to resume the talks next month in Malaysia.
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