New entity to replace ARMM in Philippines

Manila: The creation of a new administrative entity that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao counts among the highlights are cent talks between government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace negotiators.

Marvic Leonen, lead government negotiator in talks with the MILF, said government and the MILF representatives convened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last April 24 for the 27th formal exploratory talks and one of the highlights of the meet was the affirmation of the so-called "Ten Decision Points on Principles," on the parlays.

The Decision Points on Principles contain a list of initial agreements that will serve as a guide in the discussions on the substantive agenda of the negotiations.

Among the highlights of the Decision Points was the formation of a new entity to replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Leonen clarified that the parties are still continuing discussions on substantive issues on the details of governance and the relationship of the autonomous entity with the national government. He added that such entity would definitely be within the Republic of the Philippines.

On the part of the MILF, Maulana Alonto, a member of the Moro group's Peace Panel, said that Decision Points on Principles document is vital to the success of the negotiation for a new political entity.

"This new substate political entity requires transitional or interim mechanisms that would ensure the success of the ministerial form of Bangsamoro government to be established," he said.

He also said that this would fulfil the MILF's formula of transforming the totality of relationships between the Philippine state and the Bangsamoro into an asymmetrical state-substate arrangement consonant with the right to self-determination of the Bangsamoro people that precludes "option to secede".

Leonen said given the expanse of the area to be covered by the new entity, it is crucial that consultations on affected peoples and interests are conducted,

"Given the breadth of the constituencies involved which is national in scope, all we can do is make the best use of our time and resources not only to prepare for the negotiations, but also to conduct consultations," Leonen said.

He added that a total 66 consultations have been conducted in Mindanao and other parts of the country, including that with local officials of the ARMM which is currently headed by appointed officer in charge Mujiv Hataman.

In the same breath, Leonen clarified that the document Decision Points on Principles it is not the final peace agreement but was intended to make public the direction and substance of the peace negotiations.

"The government wants to know the viewpoints of the public on the peace process," Leonen said, adding that the government will conduct dialogues and consultations with affected sectors in Mindanao.

"At the end of the day, we are directed by the President (Benigno S. Aquino III) who, in turn, is accountable to the people. We in the peace panel take care that our positions are always just and legitimate," he added.

The 10 Decision Points Agreement was initialled by all members of the MILF and government negotiating panels who were present in the meeting in Kuala Lumpur and was signed by their Chairs, Mohagher Iqbal and Leonen respectively. Malaysian Facilitator, Dato' Tengku AB Ja'afar, affixing his signature on the document.