(UPDATE) Gov't, MILF complete annexes of framework on Bangsamoro

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) completed Saturday all the four annexes of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), which will pave the way for the signing of a comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

Philippine Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said in a statement that the Annex on Normalization, the last of the four annexes of the FAB, was finally completed Saturday in Malaysia where the peace talks have been held.

"This paves the way for the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). This is indeed a long-awaited moment that is a gift to our people at the start of a new year of renewed hope and commitment," she said.

She also admitted that it has been a "very difficult road arriving at this major milestone of the peace process."

Deles said the crafting of each of the four Annexes, together with the additional Addendum on Bangsamoro Waters, underwent painstaking deliberation by the two parties, backed up by thorough discussion and internal consensus-building on each side, and grounded on extensive consultations with concerned local government units, religious and civil society leaders, and communities - especially in the conflict-affected areas.

MILF, the country's largest rebel group which has been pushing for an independent Islamic state in Mindanao, signed a peace framework agreement with the Philippine government in October, 2012. The Annex on Normalization aims for the gradual decommission of some 11,000 forces of the MILF.