MILF set to sign framework deal amid protests

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is set to sign the “framework agreement” with the government for the establishment of the new Bangsamoro political entity amid oppositions citing the deal contained ambiguous provisions.

Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF political chair, called critics to give peace a chance, citing that the agreement would help stabilize peace and bring development not just in the Muslim region but in the whole of Mindanao.

He told local radio that the MILF hierarchy has been prepared and ready for the signing on Monday in Malacanang.

“Let’s give this peace deal a chance as this will bring peace in Mindanao. This will not benefit the Bangsamoro people but the all the Muslims, lumads and Christians,” Jaafar said.

The local government and different stakeholders here have signed a letter addressed to government peace panel Chair Marvic Leonen to defer the signing of the “framework agreement” citing several provisions of the deal were ambiguous.

“Specifically, we are requesting and appealing that the signing/formalization of the framework agreement be deferred until after genuine and meaningful consultations of the provisions and contents of the said agreement are undertaken with the LGUs (local government units), civil society and all stakeholders,” a portion of the letter dated October 10 stated.

The appeal to the government panel was a result of an emergency meeting to thresh out and review the content of the draft “framework agreement” in a local hotel here.

City Mayor Celso Lobregat said they have not received yet any response from the office of GPH panel headed by Leonen.

“At least we have already aired our sentiment and made out stand over the said document which we believed needed to be clarified before they will sign,” Lobregat said.

Meanwhile, Sulu Governor Sakur Tan bared of the movements of some Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) commanders in the province following warnings of its leaders that the MILF deal will affect the 1996 final peace accord they signed with the government.

Tan, in a statement, said that MNLF commanders were making their rounds in some parts of Sulu.

He said he was able to talk with some of the leaders and urged to them not to crank up its war machine appealing to give peace a chance.

Tan said he already sent words to MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari to hold a meeting to calm down the MNLF group.

“Ipinarating ko sa kanya na maging mahinahon, sa ganitong paraan we can resolve any misunderstanding and have genuine peace in Sulu and the whole of Mindanao. I have made my appeal to everybody to keep their cool. Walang mangyayari sa atin kung tayo ay babalik na naman sa nakaraan, kawawa ang mg tao dito sa Sulu at sa buong Mindanao,” Tan said.