MILF asks MNLF to help in formulating Bangsamoro law

MANILA, Philippines - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has urged the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to help in the crafting the law that would lead  to the establishment of the Bangsamoro government.

In an editorial posted on its website luwaran.com, MILF said the good provisions of the 1996 peace deal between the government and MNLF should be part of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

“What should be done now is for the MNLF and MILF leaders to work together to pluck out what are good in the GRP-MNLF Final Peace Agreement in 1996 and incorporate them into the Bangsamoro Basic Law,” the editorial read.

“The only real and desirable thing now is that we produce the best BBL for the future Bangsamoro Government. This law is not for the MILF; it is for our people as a whole,” it added.

MILF said the MNLF should disregard notions that only one person or group can solve the Bangsamoro issue.

“We appeal to our brothers from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to come to grip with reality that during the current Aquino administration, the only viable and pursued peace track is the one with the MILF,” it said.

The MNLF sought to create an Islamic state in the south. In 1976, it signed the Tripoli deal with the government which led to the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in 1996.

MNLF members who were dissatisfied with the agreement broke away from the group and formed the MILF.

Last year, the government and the MILF inked a framework agreement that seeks to create a Bangsamoro region that would replace the ARMM, which President Aquino called “a failed experiment.”

The new region will cover Isabela City in Basilan, Cotabato City, six towns in Lanao del Norte, and some areas in North Cotabato, in addition to the ARMM provinces Basilan, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

MNLF founder Nur Misuari, however, said the framework violates the Tripoli Agreement of 1976, the Jeddah Accord and the 1996 final peace agreement. He warned that the deal would lead to more conflict in Mindanao.

The government and the MILF have also signed the transitional arrangements as well as the annexes on wealth and power-sharing.

Both sides will soon discuss matters on Bangsamoro waters, the annex on normalization and the final peace deal.

The MILF cited the progress in its negotiations with the government. The group, however, admitted that nothing is sure yet as far as the final closure of the talks is concerned.

“Negotiation is one human endeavor that is highly unpredictable. It is like a mercury that rises up and low very fast depending on the prevailing temperature or heat,” MILF said. 

“However, on the basis of the issues or agenda settled by them, it is not an exaggeration to say that the peace negotiation is in the final stretch. If nothing of consequence blocks the way, the chance of signing the comprehensive peace Agreement very soon is very possible.” – Alexis Romero