'Rethink peace talks with MILF'

MANILA, Philippines - Members of the House minority bloc yesterday urged Malacañang to rethink its move to resume peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), whose leadership cannot control many of its armed factions.

The opposition lawmakers, in a joint statement read by Lanao del Norte Rep. Fatima Aliah Dimaporo, said any peace agreement that may be forged with the MILF would be useless if the rebel group’s leaders cannot control their more militant factions as the latter would not consider themselves bound by the pact.

The minority bloc also urged the Aquino administration to be careful in dealing with the communist National Democratic Front as its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), continues to commit atrocities despite the resumption of the peace talks.

“We are greatly disturbed by the breakaway of a rogue MILF unit and continuing NPA attacks and ploys to release captured insurgents,” Dimaporo said.

“If rebel leaders cannot control their units, then the government must reassess the wisdom of resuming negotiations, which may just allow enemies of the Republic to strengthen their positions,” she said.

She added: “We must ensure that our soldiers and our people are protected even as we negotiate a just and lasting peace.”

Earlier, the MILF leaders admitted that the group was having some “internal problems” but maintained they had a total grip on their armed followers.