MILF names new ceasefire chief

MANILA, Philippines -A resident of Basilan has been named the new chief of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ceasefire panel, making him the first resident of the province to assume the post.

MILF on Tuesday announced the appointment of Abbas Salung as acting chair of its Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), which oversees the implementation of its truce with the government.

In a statement, the group said MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal had issued the appointment of Abbas, who has been a member of the peace panel since 2007.

Salung succeeded former MILF ceasefire chief Said Shiek, who has been appointed member of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission. The commission is tasked to  draft the law that would create the Bangsamoro entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“The MILF has full trust and confidence with Brother Salung. Salung has proven his commitment, competence and credibility to the cause of the Bangsamoro and the MILF for right to self – determination and the peace process,” Iqbal said.

“We are confident that he can perform well and his appointment is a positive development in our vision – mission,” he added.

MILF said Salung underwent a two-week course on the United Nations Framework on Ceasefire Monitoring and Mediation in Norway last March to prepare him for his new post.

Government negotiators have expressed optimism that a final peace deal with the MILF would be signed within the year.