Murad: Decommissioning marks MILF transformation not surrender

SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao—The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)'s move to decommission its former fighters is not a form of surrender, the group's chief maintained Tuesday.

In a speech during decommissioning ceremonies here, MILF central committee chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim said the turnover of weapons to an independent body is the first step towards his group's transformation into a political group.

"Today, we begin the long walk towards transformation, not surrender, to a higher struggle, the start of the transformation of the MILF from a revolutionary organization to a political organization ready to govern and serve the Bangsamoro people," Murad said.

The MILF chief also admitted that he was initially "bothered" the decommissioning process had to start while the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law is still experiencing delays in Congress.

"However, as Muslims, we have to trust Allah…and affirm our duty and obligation in the peace agreement," he said.

Murad also told ex-MILF fighters not to view decommissioning as a sign of weakness.

"It is a sign of strength, for our strength lies not in our hearts, but in the love and affection of the Bangsamoro people," he said.

'Prepare for peace'

On Tuesday, the MILF turned over 75 weapons to the Independent Decommissioning Board. A total of 145 former MILF fighters also registered for decommissioning to start their transition to civil life.

Philippine peace panel chief negotiator Miriam Coronel Ferrer, for her part, also said that decommissioning should not be considered a form of surrender to preserve the former MILf fighters' dignity.

"Ang sinasabi natin, decommissioning is to put beyond use, na wala nang silbi ang baril, wala nang saysay makidigma," she said in a separate speech.

MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal meanwhile said that his group will always choose the path to peace.

"The MILF will comply with its obligation. If we want peace, we must prepare for peace," Iqbal said. -NB, GMA News