GPH, MILF stress need for just, acceptable solutions to the Bangsamoro problem

Kuala Lumpur – Sharing the same resolve to complete the annex on power sharing in this round of talks, the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) stressed the need to ensure just and acceptable solutions to address the decades-old conflict in Mindanao.

During the parties’ opening ceremonies for the 41st formal exploratory talks in this Malaysian capital, GPH peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer reiterated the importance of due diligence in coming up with viable solutions to the Bangsamoro problem.

“Indeed, if it has taken us a long while to put down words and phrases in the Annexes, it is because we want to guarantee the integrity of the outcome,” she said.

“We need to ensure the justness of the solutions we are adopting for one and all, so that with the faith of our fellow Filipinos, this agreement will live and let live the hopes for less strife, good governance, harmony, cooperation and a better life among the Bangsamoro and the whole country.”

On the same note, Iqbal underscored that the agreement that will be forged by both sides should be “acceptable to our people and will lead to solving to Bangsamoro question.”

“Short of this, our efforts would be in vain,” he added.

Power-sharing deal

Coronel-Ferrer remarked on the possible “closure of at least one of the two remaining Annexes,” which are on normalization and power sharing.

MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, in his opening statement, proposed to “finish the two remaining annexes especially on power sharing.”

These two annexes, together with the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed in October 2012, and the Annexes on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities, and Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing, will form part of the Comprehensive Agreement which the GPH and the MILF panels aim to sign within the year.

Ceasefire

Coronel-Ferrer said that in contrast to the recent violent incidents involving lawless elements on the ground, the ceasefire between the GPH and the MILF "is a good reason for all those concerned about peace in Mindanao.... to pursue this process between the GPH and the MILF."

"So that this temporary ceasefire becomes permanent, and in becoming permanent, the other, better things become possible," she added.

The panel chair also stressed the need to address public’s impatience and doubts which have been driven by the “rise in violence perpetrated by those who want this process to fail.”

“We, the negotiating partners present here and the friends of this process in the room, will need to steadfastly work together to foil the many what ifs. We carry a great burden borne out of equally great expectations,” she said.

“We know that it will require a lot of hard work, the appropriate strategies, the effective mechanisms and collaborative approaches, at the soonest possible time."

Inclusive peace

Iqbal said that the gains of the GPH-MILF peace process will benefit the entire Bangsamoro and the country as well.

“The fruit of this current endeavor will redound to everybody, including MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front),” he stated.

“This is the reason that we have appealed to our brothers in MNLF to support the MILF, or at least not stand on the way, and give us chance to succeed.”

Joining the panel of observers in the talks is Congressman Rodolfo Biazon and members of the International Contact Group. Presidential Adviser Teresita Quintos Deles, Cong. Teddy Broner Baguilat, Jr., and other members of the Cabinet and Congress are expected to arrive later this week. #

OPPAP Website

http://www.opapp.gov.ph/

links:

http://www.opapp.gov.ph/milf/news/gph-milf-stress-need-just-acceptable-solutions-bangsamoro-problem

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