LOOK: MILF chief negotiator visits Cagayan de Oro archbishop

In the name of peace in Mindanao, the chief peace negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Wednesday afternoon paid a visit to Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma.

Wednesday's meeting was held at the Archbishop's Palace, as shown in photos posted by GMA Northern Mindanao's Jeik Compo.

The MILF chief negotiator, who arrived wearing a striped polo shirt, voiced hopes the collective wisdom of Christians, Lumads, and Muslims "would work together and we will pursue the path of peace," adding this "is for everybody."

However, Iqbal also warned of "frustration" if the Bangsamoro Basic Law is not passed


The BBL, if passed into law, will pave the way for the replacement of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with a "Bangsamoro" political entity.

However, some lawmakers have questioned the BBL in the wake of a Jan. 25 clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao that left 44 Special Action Force (SAF) troopers dead.

Some 18 MILF fighters and some civilians were also killed in the bloodbath.

But Iqbal also stressed that "no matter what happen(s) to (the) BBL, the MILF (will) always stay in the pursuit of peace in Mindanao."

Also present at Wednesday's dialogue were representatives from non-government organizations based in Cagayan de Oro City.

Aquino admin 'consistent' and trustworthy

In his opening statement, Iqbal said the Aquino administration was trustworthy and “consistent” in the peace process.

Also, he made a pitch for the BBL, which he said had undergone several discussions and modifications.

But, he said passing a so-called "watered-down" version of the bill may not solve the peace problem in Mindanao.
 
Still, he reassured the public the MILF remains committed to peace regardless of what happens to the BBL. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News