Moro Islamic Liberation Front Vice Chairman for Political Affairs Ghazali Jaafar (right) Chairman Murad Ebrahim and Chairman for Peace Process Mohagher Iqbal (left) listen to speech of the foreign delegates during the gathering at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao province on Saturday. Hundreds of thousands of people attended on the four-day assembly of MILF to discuss issues on their peace talks with the Central government. The Bangsamoro leaders assembly is a strong message sent to the government of Aquino that the Moro people will stand and fight at all cost to win the legitimate struggle for self-determination. (Photo by Mark Navales / Mindanao Examiner)
MAGUINDANAO (Mindanao Examiner / July 8, 2012) – Philippine rebels fighting for a Muslim homeland said peace talks with Manila
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front is holding a plenum in Maguindanao’s Sultan Kudarat town where hundreds of thousands of rebels and supporters have gathered since Friday to hear their leaders speak about progress in the talks.
The rebel group, now the country’s largest, has been fighting for decades for self-rule in Mindanao Island
Murad Ebrahim, the secluded chieftain of the MILF, is expected to speak to journalist on Monday at the end of the three-day assembly inside Camp Darapanan where rebel forces have virtually shown their fire power, loyalty to their leaders and aspiration to a long lasting and just peace in the southern region.
Ebrahim and two of his most trusted deputies – Ghazali Jaafar and Mohagher Iqbal – led the huge crowd with rebels chanting “Allahu Akbar” or “God is Great,” most throughout the day. (With a report from Mark Navales)
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