MILF welcomes Obama’s re-election

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Joining millions of people across the globe who have been closely following the US presidential elections, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) congratulated re-elected President Barack Obama for winning his second 4-year term.

“The MILF warmly welcomes the successful holding of the recent elections in the United States and the decisive victory of President Obama over Mitt Romney, the Republican challenger,” MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim said.

The chief Moro rebel leader noted that the US has been supportive of the ongoing peace talks with the government. “The Bangsamoro and the United States share a common vision for better Mindanao where just peace, progress, and development are in the pipeline after the signing of the celebrated Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro,” Murad said.

“The MILF is particularly grateful for the expression of support to the Agreement from the Obama administration through US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and for the attendance of US Ambassador to the Philippines, Harry Thomas, to the historic signing in Malacañang Palace,” Murad added.

Earlier reports say the US government has also been talking with the MILF through backchannels to help ensure progress in the peace negotiations that will hopefully put an end to a four-decade-old conflict in Mindanao.

In 2003, then MILF chair Hashim Salamat sent a letter to former US President George W. Bush appealing for support for the peace process.

In February 2008, former US Ambassador Kristie Kenney also visited the main camp of the Moro rebel group in Maguindanao to meet with Murad. – Rappler.com