A Moro Islamic Liberation front fighters guards his post in Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
It said a recent survey showed that majority of Filipinos is also optimistic that both sides could forge an accord that would end decades of bloody fighting in Mindanao.
The MILF, which is fighting for self-determination, said it would pursue a sub-state in the mineral-rich, but restive region in the southern Philippines.
The Social Weather Stations said its latest polls showed that 85% of Filipinos interviewed last month believed that peace can be achieved in Mindanao. The survey was conducted on 1,200 people from Mindanao, Luzon Island and Metro Manila.
“This hopefulness points to strong public support for the President’s policy of achieving peace in Mindanao on a basis that takes into account justice for all concerned, whether they be Moros, Christians, or Lumads,” said Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.
“It is no coincidence that optimism for peace between the government and the MILF is highest in Mindanao, at 59 percent, where everyone knows full well, how much there is to gain by achieving peace,” he added.
Peace negotiators are expected to present their comprehensive compact for Mindanao during the three-day talks in Kuala Lumpur. Manila would submit its proposal to bring peace and development in the region.
“The GPH Panel will present its proposal to the MILF on the first day of the talks. This proposal is the position of the government, guided solely by national interest and based on our consultations with the different stakeholders in the Mindanao peace process,” said Marvic Leonen, the chief government peace negotiator.
He said MILF would have to review the government proposal before both sides could come up with a peace accord. “The MILF Peace Panel will have to review the GPH proposal and seek clarifications of its contents. The next step is for both panels, in the spirit of transparency and inclusivity, to consult with the stakeholders so we can forge a peace agreement, as nothing yet is final,” Leonen said.
Leonen said they would also raise the issue on renegade rebel leader Ameril Umra Kato, who broke away with the MILF in 2008 after the failed signing of the Muslim homeland deal that led to the series of attacks in Lanao province.
The Supreme Court said the accord was unconstitutional.
Kato, who is facing a string of criminal cases following the attacks, is likely to be disowned by the MILF, said Von Al-Haq, the group’s spokesman.
Kato also criticized MILF chieftain Murad Ebrahim of betraying rebel forces after a secret meeting with President Benigno Aquino in Japan recently. He said Ebrahim should have consulted his leaders before meeting with Aquino.
“Murad corrupted the rights of the Bangsamoro people,” Kato said in a clandestine interview with journalists at a rebel base in Mindanao.
Kato has repeatedly said that the MILF should pursue independence in Mindanao, home to some four million Muslims in a region of about 18 million mostly Christian inhabitants.
“The MILF will come out with a decision (on Kato) soon,” Al-Haq said, adding the renegade leader is a known hardliner. “He is a hardliner and even in the past we had a difficult time in handling Kato.”
Kato has formed his own group called Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, had clashed several times with MILF forces in Mindanao. He said his group has hundreds of armed members, but Al-Haq claimed Kato only has about 100 men.
“The GPH Peace Panel is viewing with serious concern the developments regarding Ustadz Ameril Umra Kato and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. We will be seeking clarification on the status of Kato and the BIFF from our counterparts in the MILF,” Leonen said. (Mindanao Examiner)
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