'Bangsamoro peace deal GPH, MILF contribution to world peace'

MANILA, Philippines - The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) is the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front's (MILF) contribution to world peace, government peace panel chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said on Tuesday.

“It is also our global contribution to the pursuit of peace in our immediate neighborhood, the Southeast Asian region, and the rest of the world,” Ferrer said.

The CAB, slated to be signed on Thursday, puts together all signed agreements between the GPH and the MILF.

Ferrer said the agreement reiterates the principles of the negotiation, namely: the recognition of the justness and legitimacy of the cause of the Bangsamoro people, their aspiration for meaningful autonomy through a democratic process; aim of finding a solution to the Bangsamoro Question with honor, justice and dignity; aim to end the fighting between the government and the MILD and promote peace and stability; and recognition of the responsibilities of the Parties to protect and enhance the rights of the Bangsamoro people and all other inhabitants, correct historical injustice, and equitably diffuse wealth and political power.

"On GPH end, the signatories would be: myself; panel members Senen Bacani, Yasmin Busran-Lao, Mehol Sadain; panel consultants Zenonida Brosas and Jose Luis Martin 'Chito' Gascon. On the MILF end, the signatories would be: Mohager Iqbal, Datu Michael Mastura, Maulana 'Bobby' Alonto, Abhoud Syed Lingga, Abdulla Camlian and Datu Antonio Kinoc," Ferrer said.

The Malaysia facilitator, Tengku Dato’ Abdul Ghafar Tengku Mohamed will also sign as witness and the signing will be done in the presence of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles, MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, President Benigno S. Aquino III and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Hj Abdul Razak.

"(T)he historic signing is but a short station stop in this difficult but rewarding journey to build peace, development and meaningful autonomy for the Bangsamoro and the other people in the parts of Mindanao that will fall under the autonomous government. We cannot rest, we shall be moving on, full speed ahead, towards full implementation," Ferrer said.