MNLF, BIFF are mere distractions to peace deal - political analyst

MANILA, Philippines - The chaos created by various armed groups in Mindanao to object the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement between the Aquino administration  and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is merely a distraction that the government could address, a political analyst said on Wednesday.

Lawyer Nasser Marohomsalic said the attacks perpetrated by groups such as Moro National Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters are just "colds."

Madaming problema sa Muslim Mindanao and there are these groups and their actions to oppose the peace agreement. These are only aberrations. Kung baga sa sakit colds ito. May medicine sa sakit na yan," Marohomsalic told the media briefing at Greenhills, San Juan City.

Marohomsalic noted that the MNLF and other armed groups will eventually be enlightened when the conditions in the peace accord are implemented.

He said that with the impending enactment of Basangmoro Basic Law by Congress, such various ethnic groups in the region will be appeased. 

"Kapag nakabuo na ng basic law which is palatable, zesty, lahat makikikain na dyan...at kung ang  Congress will respect agreements, makikikain na rin yang BIFF and MNLF...mas malawak ang rights na binigay sa Bansangmoro (people)," Marohomsalic added.

He said that the MNLF in previous peace accords with the government had merely sought political power.

"Sa MNLF, political power ang isyu nila pero ito (framework agreement) will alleviate the conditions of the Bansangmoro. Ultimately, they will also follow. Ano pa ba ang pinaglalaban nila? Nandun lahat ang isyu. Ano moral ascendancy to continue to fight? They have elevated it to the issue of independence pero di mangyayari yun." Marohomsalic said.