Manila: Government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace negotiators are confident that both sides will be able to hammer out a roadmap for peace as both sides are due to meet again this Monday.

Negotiators are scheduled to meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the 29th Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP)-MILF Peace Talks, the focus of the parlays this time will be to chart a “roadmap” that will guide the two sides in their peace negotiations.

Earlier, MILF Chairman Murad Ebrahim was quoted in a report by the Bombo Radyo as saying that they agree to a three-year transitional phase for the planned Bangsamoro “autonomous political entity” that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The MILF had originally proposed a six-year transition period from the current ARMM to the new autonomous political entity.

Two representatives from the indigenous peoples and a woman lawyer will form part of the MILF peace delegation the 29th GPH-MILF Peace Talks.

Jun Mantawil, head of the MILF peace panel secretariat, said that T’duray chieftain Melanio Ulama will be part of the MILF delegation, in addition to Datu Antonio Kinoc, from the B’laan tribe.

Joining the delegation is lawyer Raissa Jajurie, who, like Ulama, is a member of the Board of Consultant of the MILF Peace Panel.

The regular members of the MILF peace panel who are also expected to be present at the Malaysia meet, namely, Mohagher Iqbal, Datu Michael Mastura, Bobby Alonto, Abhoud Syed Lingga, and Abdullah Camlian.

The meeting in Malaysia comes at the heels of the successful conduct of the “Moro Leaders Assembly” in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao last July 6-9.

Leaders’ assembly

During the Moro Leaders’ Assembly, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles emphasised the ‘whole-of-government’ approach of the administration of President Benigno Aquinin pushing for peace.

“The time for peace is now,” Quintos-Deles declared.

In her speech during the Moro Leaders’ Assembly, Quintos-Deles cited the clear directives from Aquino to all departments and agencies to contribute to ongoing efforts to fast-track peace and development in Mindanao.

“Our President is continuously persistent in moving the peace talks forward,” she stated.

“The panel does not bring empty or false promises to Kuala Lumpur. Following the President’s instructions, the panel ensures that the appropriate departments and agencies have been properly consulted and have come on board. The panel goes to Kuala Lumpur for every meeting with a fresh mandate from the President,” she stated.

Further, she emphasised that regular consultations are being done with Congress and Senate.

Chief government negotiator Dean Marvic Leonen had underlined the urgency that a peace pact with the MILF should be signed soon.

“Our final agreement should be simple but meaningful and it should be signed within this year so that there is an opportunity to implement and assess and learn some more,” Leonen explained.