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COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Despite the hot weather, thousands of Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters and supporters, regardless of age and gender, trooped to Camp Darapanan, Maguindanao, to participate in the Bangsamoro Leaders Assembly, which will start on Saturday, July 7.
The mass gathering caused a 3-kilometer gridlock on the Barangay Simuay section of the Davao-Cotabato highway as thousands of trucks and smaller vehicles waited for their turn to enter the dirt road leading to the MILF camp.
Others opted to leave their vehicles and hiked 4 kilometers, carrying their belongings.
Security was tight as MILF members guarded the camp and its boundaries.
Soldiers and policemen were also visible along highway, offering security, transportation and medical assistance.
As of Friday, the MILF recorded at least 94,000 participants gathered inside the camp. The organization said it expects at least half a million people by Saturday.
The two-day Bangsamoro Leaders Assembly aims to strengthen solidarity among the Bangsamoro people, the MILF said.
Von Al-Haq, spokesperon of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, said it’s the first time that the assembly won’t be limited to MILF members only.
“Unlike the previous assemblies, the participants in this gathering are not limited to MILF members but also participating are members of the Moro National Liberation Front and representatives of various local government units,” Al-Haq said.
The last time the MILF held a similar assembly was in 2005, during its peace negotiations with the Arroyo administration. The talks failed after a draft agreement angered politicians and other sectors who claimed it was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court eventually declared it as such.
The Aquino administration is hopeful that it would reach a peace settlement with the MILF soon.
The participation of other Moro groups and local government units is crucial in the quest for peace in the region, Al-Haq said.
“It is important to involve them and this is also ensure and prove that the MILF is not monopolizing the idea in the journey to peace,” Al-Haq said.
Al-Haq said that local government officials who are attending the assembly include Gov Abdusakur Tan of Sulu, Gov Datu Ismael G. Mangudadatu of Maguindanao, Gov Sadikol Sahali of Tawi-Tawi, Jum J. Akbar of Basilan, Gov Mamintal Adiong of Lanao Del Sur, Gov Emmylou Mendoza of North Cotabato and Gov Suharto Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat.
He added that Secretary Teresita Deles of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Peace Process, government peace panel chairman Marvic Leonen and the Army’s 6th Infantry Division Commander Maj Gen Rey Ardo have also committed to attend the event. – Rappler.com
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