Government, MILF panels allow OIC to sit as observer

MANILA, Philippines – The peace panels of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have approved the request of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to sit as an observer in the peace talks.

Marvic Leonen, chairman of the government peace panel, and his MILF counterpart, Muhaquer Iqbal, said in a joint statement that the two panels also agreed to meet again next month.

The two sides concluded on Tuesday their three-day 26th round of formal exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

They said they continued their discussions on “substantive issues, including power sharing on governance and wealth sharing.”

They also signed the terms of reference for their consultants.

In their joint statement, the two panels thanked President Aquino for his commitment to a just and lasting peace in Mindanao.

They also thanked Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak for his continued support for the peace talks, as well as the members of the International Contact Group composed of Japan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Kingdom; the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue; Conciliation Resources; Muhammadiyah; and the Asia Foundation. – With John Unson