Gov't, MILF peace talks enter 'final, crucial stages'

MANILA, Philippines – Peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has entered the “final, crucial stages,” the government said yesterday.

Teresita Deles, presidential adviser on the peace process, said the government and the MILF will resume discussions on unresolved issues in the 31st round of formal exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this week.

“(The government) remains cautiously optimistic on the prospects of signing a government-MILF peace agreement this year,” she said.

“This optimism comes from the strong desire of both sides of the table to sign a peace agreement in the earliest possible time.”

Deles said the determination of the government and MILF to forge an agreement was shown in the serious preparations undertaken by each side for every round of peace negotiations.

“But there is also no denying that the issues still on the table will not be easy to settle, as in critical details of power and wealth sharing, territorial scope, and normalization to include disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of the MILF’s troops,” she said.

Deles said another indication that could signify the desire of the two parties to craft an agreement was the MILF’s “clear cooperation” in dealing with the attacks of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement’s (BIFM) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters’ (BIFF) in Maguindanao and Cotabato since last month.

“(The government and MILF) will work together to ensure that these spoilers will not succeed as the parties continue to push forward to bring just and lasting peace to our peoples and communities,” she said.

Deles said the government was firm to pursue law enforcement operations against the BIFM that Ameril Umra Kato leads.

 “The MILF disassociated itself from Kato’s renegade group last year and declared him as a bougat or one who defies or does not obey an order and engages in lawless actions,” she said.

Deles expressed hope that “utmost goodwill will prevail on the table and that the interests and the welfare of the communities most affected by the conflict will guide the two sides to seek and affirm common ground when the going gets rough.”

The military has asked the public to help security forces track down BIFM members.

A reward awaits those who can provide information that would lead to the capture of BIFM leaders.

Armed Forces spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said the military and the police need the public’s help in locating “these most wanted criminals.”

“If anyone has seen these individuals, he/she may contact their local police station immediately or dial 117,” he said.

“The AFP with the help of the PNP is now in pursuit operations and will be unrelenting in their efforts to stop the BIFM atrocities and bring the culprits to the bar of justice.”

A bounty of P10 million each will be given to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest or surrender of Kato and commander Al Hadj Abdulla Mohammad Sabber Macapaar.

The two are facing multiple murder charges after being tagged in various hostilities in Lanao del Norte and Cotabato.

The BIFM broke away after the MILF pursued peace talks with the government. – With Alexis Romero