Joint MILF-MNLF task force eyed to resolve N. Cotabato clashes

A joint task force is being formed to finally end Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front leaders' clashes that have claimed several lives and displaced many families in North Cotabato.

In an article posted Sunday on its website, the MILF said representatives of both groups met last week to find ways to end the clashes.

The MILF noted the conflict had been ongoing in Marbel, Matalam in North Cotabato.

MILF central committee chairman Muhammad Ameen said both sides agreed to organize a "joint task force which will concentrate on finding the acceptable formula to all concerned."

Ameen said the task force has the mandate to decide on all matters, except major decisions that require the final say of their respective principals.

He said both the Misuari and Sema wings of the MNLF agreed to the formula, adding Datu Dima Ambil, who chairs the MNLF Sebangan Kutawato Revolutionary Committee, is recognized by both Misuari and Sema.

The MILF cited earlier reports indicating the conflict stemmed from land disputes.

Earlier, the MILF said representatives from the MILF, MNLF and government Coordinating Committees on Cessation of Hostilities (CCCHs), political leaders, and North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza had the warring parties attend a dialogue.

While the dialogue brought forth a covenant of peace on how to stop the fighting and how to address the roots of the conflict, the MILF said the arrangement did not take hold, "as both camps accused each of bad faith by initiating armed incursions on both sides’ positions." — LBG, GMA News