MILF ‘happy’ with framework agreement on peace

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is “very happy” a roadmap had been agreed with the government aimed at ending their decades-long separatist insurgency in the south of the country.

“We are very happy. We thank the president for this,” Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) vice chairman for political affairs Ghazali Jaafar told AFP by phone from his base in the southern Philippines.

Von Al-Haq, spokesman of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, said that the signing of the framework agreement with the government would determine the course of the struggle for peace in Mindanao.

“This is very important because it sets the direction of reaching a peace agreement,” Al-Haq said.

The Moro rebel leader added that one most essential point in the recent development in the peace process is the setting out of the systems.

“Both parties are assured of having a clear political destination including its defined working machineries,” Al-Haq commented.

But Al-Haq refused to reveal mechanisms on the plans for the thousands of MILF fighters if the Bangsamoro entity would be established.

“We will cross the bridge when we are there,” Al-Haq said. – Rappler.com, with Agence France Presse

For related stories, read: 

• Govt, MILF reach deal
• PH govt, MILF hope to finish agreement
• MILF accuses military of ceasefire violation