MILF Rebels Say TRO Is Temporary Set Back, Peace Talks Remain Top Agenda

COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 4, 2008) – The Philippines’ largest Muslim rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front said Monday’s Supreme Court decision to stop the signing of draft agreement on the ancestral domain is a temporary set back, but it remains optimistic about the deal.

The High Court temporarily stopped the signing of the final draft accord that would grant Muslims a separate homeland in Mindanao.

“This is a temporary set back and the MILF leadership is yet to decide on what actions to take, but this issue is more between the Supreme Court and the Philippine government.”

“The MILF remains optimistic about the formal signing of the ancestral domain agreement between the government and our peace negotiators,” Kabalu told the Mindanao Examiner.

The court issued the temporary restraining order a day before government peace negotiators are to sign the agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which is fighting the past four decades for a separate Islamic state in the troubled South.

Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat said he was told about the decision by Zamboanga City Rep. Erico Fabian, a political ally, who was one of several lawmakers that filed the petition. At least 8 Muslim villages her are included in the ancestral domain and Lobregat and his allies are fighting the attempts to dismember Zamboanga.

Lobregat said it was an en banc decision.

Fabian has confirmed the High Court’s order. “It is confirmed and I have informed the mayor about it,” he said. “We are very happy with the decision.”

North Cotabato Deputy Governor Emmanuel Pinol last week also petitioned the Supreme Court to stop the signing. Pinol is opposing the inclusion of several towns in the province in the ancestral domain which would make up a separate Muslim homeland under the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity. (Mindanao Examiner)