MILF welcomes inclusion of MNLF in renewed peace efforts

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Saturday welcomed the inclusion its rival rebel group Moro National Liberation Front in renewed peace efforts for Mindanao.

MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad welcomed the presence of MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari at a meeting of the Philippine government and the MILF in Kuala Lumpur for the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), according to a report on Balitanghali by GMA News' Joseph Morong.
 

MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad: we welcome the inclusion of MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari in the process @gmanews pic.twitter.com/N1rQUere0m

— Joseph Morong (@Joseph_Morong) August 13, 2016

The Philippine peace panel is expected to meet with Misuari, who President Rodrigo Duterte promised to give a "safe conduct pass."

According to Murad, MILF and MNLF share a common objective which is to establish a self-governing unit for the Bangsamoro.

Murad: MNLF, MILF share one common objective wc is to establish a self-governing unit @gmanews

— Joseph Morong (@Joseph_Morong) August 13, 2016

Peace panels from the government and the MILF epressed hope that Congress will support the proposed Bangsamoro Enabling Law that will replace the failed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the report said.

The 16th Congress failed to pass the BBL, which was expected to pave the way for the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. 

In March 2014, the Philippine government and the MILF signed the CAB under the Benigno  Aquino III administration. The proposed BBL was the embodiment of the agreements in the Mindanao preace process.

However, Congressional deliberations on the BBL suffered a huge setback after an encounter between PNP Special Action Force and members of MILF resulted in the deaths of 44 police commandos and members of the Moro group on January 25, 2015 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

On the other hand, during the first day on  the discussions on the CAB in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this Saturday, the government and the MILF launched the implementation phase of the Mindanao peace agreements.

GPH, MILF launch implementation phase of Mindanao peace agreements @gmanews pic.twitter.com/r9tyrG0zVJ

— Joseph Morong (@Joseph_Morong) August 13, 2016

In a statement, Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza expressed optimism on the Bangsamoro peace accords’ implementation.

He said said the Philippine government "has come in full force" to show that it is serious about the "peace agreements" Manila has signed so far with  the MILF. —  John Ted Cordero/LBG, GMA News