MILF hands over weapons, fighters amid BBL delays

By ANDREO CALONZO, GMA News

Published June 16, 2015 12:31pm

(UPDATED 3:31 p.m.) SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao — As part of its peace deal with the Philippine government, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Tuesday turned over 75 high-powered firearms to an independent body composed of foreign observers and local experts.

The event, attended by President Benigno Aquino III, also saw the decommissioning of 145 combatants from the MILF’s armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF). This process marks the start of the former fighters’ return to full civilian lives.

MILF chairman Murad Ebrahim, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles, legislators, and peace negotiators also attended the event at the old provincial capitol here.

Prior to the event, MILF members had to register their weapons in Camp Darapanan in this town. The initial registration was undertaken under the supervision of the International Decommissioning Body (IDB).

The IDB is led by Turkey's former ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Haydar Berk. It also includes experts from Norway, Brunei, and the Philippines.

After being processed and verified, the MILF weapons will be secured in a mutually-agreed upon Weapons Storage area located inside Camp Iranun (Abubakar) in Sitio Bombaran, Brgy. Tugaig in Barira, Maguindanao.

MILF transformation

In a speech during decommissioning rites, 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.

‘Most difficult decision’

This first phase of the decommissioning process is part of the normalization process specified in an annex of the peace agreement entered into by the MILF and the Philippine government in March last year.

MILF peace panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal described the decommissioning process as "one of the most difficult decisions” made by his group “for the sake of having real peace in Mindanao.”

The turnover ceremonies took place just days after Congress failed to pass before adjourning sessions the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which will embody the peace deal.

The BBL faced skepticism after an encounter erupted last January in this province involving the police commandos, MILF fighters, and its splinter group. Over 60 people were killed in the firefight.

A boost for the BBL

Senate President Franklin Drilon nevertheless said that the turnover of MILF firearms can improve the chances of BBL being passed by the legislature. Malacañang also said that this process can bring about positive developments in the peace process.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said she is confident that the initial decommissioning of arms and forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Tuesday will boost the process for the proposed Bangsamoro charter.

Deles said the ceremonial turnover "would have a positive effect" on the BBL, which is pending in Congress.

"Hinihintay na lang po natin ang tuluyang pagpapasa ng BBL, ang pagtatayo ng Bangsamoro, at ang pagkakaroon nito ng mga sariling halal na lider upang makita natin ang tuluyang pagbababa ng armas ng MILF," Deles said.

She added that they are happy "the MILF continues to be a partner of the government in its objective to bring peace in Maguindanao." -KG/KBK/NB, GMA News

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