MILF wants peace talks fast-tracked

MANILA, Philippines - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) yesterday urged the international community to call for the fast tracking of the peace process, saying the conclusion of its negotiations with the government is an “urgent business.”

“We call on everyone, including the international community, to urge all parties to expedite the talks in a deliberate and sure manner,” the MILF said in an editorial posted on its website luwaran.com.

“Time is ticking away; once it has passed, we cannot go back anymore. We also call upon them to journey with us until the conclusion of these negotiations,” it added.

President Aquino earlier requested that the 37th round of talks that were originally slated for March 25-27 be reset to next month.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said Aquino deems it necessary to have more time for review and consultations on the draft annexes.

Despite the delay, the two parties made a “firm commitment” to continue the talks in an expeditious manner.

The MILF everyone wants to settle the conflict in Mindanao with honor, justice, and without delay.

“The urgency of concluding the peace talks is in the minds of the MILF leadership. We know that the momentum is there but any dilly-dallying is bringing us closer to the other path,” the group said.

The MILF warned the government that failure to finish the talks within the term of Aquino could lead to violence.

“The truth is that if we cannot close this negotiation successfully during the administration of President Aquino, we do not know what lies ahead in 2016. And more seriously, it can be a menu for more violence and fighting in Mindanao,” it said.

Civil society groups in Mindanao are dismayed by the postponement of the peace talks, believing this would provide “spoilers” the opportunity to pursue their agenda.

“We are very much disappointed with the decision of the government peace panel to cancel the 37th exploratory talks with the MILF,” said Datuan Magon, deputy secretary-general of the United Youth for Peace and Development.

Magon said the government and MILF should continue the talks since it is the only way to resolve the conflict in Mindanao.

The Mindanao Action for Peace and Development Initiatives is worried that the postponement could lead to violence similar to that triggered by the voiding of the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain in 2008.

“We cannot allow any groups to thrive on their personal interests over the gains of the peace talks between the government and the MILF,” said Norodin Midsuyao, vice president of Kaumpiya sa Mindanao Inc.