Government, MILF sign Bangsamoro framework pact

MANILA, Philippines (Oct 15, 2012) - Chief peace negotiators of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Monday took the first step in ending decades of war and bloodhed as they signed the "framework agreement," which lays down the groundwork for the final and enduring peace in Mindanao.

The chief negotiators of both sides, Marvic Leonen and Mohagher Iqbal signed the framework agreement around 3 p.m., in the presence of President Benigno Aquino III, MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak.

"In full view of the Filipino people... we commit to peace. A peace that will be sustained to democratic ideals," President Aquino said before the actual signing of the agreement.

He said that with the framework agreement, residents of Mindanao will be given an equal opportunity as those being enjoyed by residents of the capital region.

"People will be empowered. They will gain knowledge and marketable skills...We will give people a chance to direct their lives towards advancement in a democratic, peaceful, and safe society," he added.

Razak, meanwhile, promised in his speech that Malaysia will stay with the Philippine government and the MILF until a final peace agreement is signed.

"I give my assurance to all the people of the Philippines, we will stand with you to make this agreement work," the Malaysian prime minister said.

Both leaders agree that the framework agreement will not ultimately solve the problem in Mindanao, but they are both hopeful that all quarters will unite to achieve a lasting peace in the southern Philippines.

Peace adviser Secretary Teresita Deles and Murad also spoke before the actual signing.

Deles and the Moro leader are both optimistic that the signing of the framework agreement will pave the way for a true and lasting peace in Mindanao.

"We pray never to see again refugee camps, camps with old folks, women and children wallowing in misery...," Murad said in his speech.

Also present during the signing of the agreement were congressmen and senators led by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Speaker Feliciano Belmonte.

The signing was also witnessed by the provincial governors of the ARMM and nearby provinces.

Muslim groups gathered in the historic Don Chino Roces Bridge (formerly Mendiola) cheered after news of the framework agreement's signing reached them.

At a press conference after the signing, Iqbal said that both panels will meet again in November to discuss the final peace agreement. He declined to provide more details.

He said that the MILF is hoping that the comprehensive peace pact will be signed after the meeting.

Leonen, for his part, said that the annexes of the agreement will be discussed during the next meeting, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Fighters rejoice

Hundreds of MILF guerillas clad in combat gears watched the signing of the framework agreement on television at the Moro group's main headquarters in Camp Darapanan in Maguindanao province.

The fighters repeatedly chanted Allahu Akbar (Allah is great), while Murad was delivering his speech before the signing of the accord.

The rebels, mostly Iranon and Maguindanaon natives, cheered loudly while Iqbal and Leonen signed the document.

Col. Prudencio Asto, public affairs chief of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the situation in Maguindanao and North Cotabato, where the MILF has dozens of enclaves, were peaceful during the signing of the framework agreement.

Asto said the rank-and-file personnel of the 6th ID, whose unit have repeatedly figured in fierce clashes with the MILF in recent years, supports the framework agreement.

“Every soldier in the 6th ID wants to see peace and development spread around the areas under the division’s jurisdiction,” Asto said. (From Philstar.com)