MILF peace deal welcomed by groups affected

Manila: Groups and sectors affected by the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front largely welcomed the forging of a “framework agreement” between the two sides.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) described the forging of the framework agreement as an “important milestone”.

“The AFP welcomes this significant milestone in our pursuit of a just and lasting peace for our nation as the peace talks bring to a conclusion and a framework for peace is already at hand,” armed force spokesperson Col Arnulfo M. Burgos Jr said.

He said the development is important as the military can now focus on addressing external threats. “We look forward to the sealing of the final peace agreement very soon, which will eventually bring renewed peace in Mindanao. We remain optimistic that with the forging of the peace agreement, the AFP would be able to gradually shift from internal security operations to territorial defence,” according to Burgos.

Army field officers deployed in Mindanao likewise welcomed the development.

Lt Col Benjamin Hao, commanding officer of the 7th Infantry Battalion of the 6th Infantry Division, told Gulf News in a text message that they welcome the agreement. “We fully support the agreement,” he stated.

Meanwhile, business leaders and civil society voiced the same sentiments.

“It is very heartening that prospects for a final peace agreement are getting brighter. An agreement finally looks closer at hand. I am very confident that the MILF and the Government will earnestly and sincerely rise above the current realities and challenges to finally attain lasting peace in Mindanao,” Bronx Hebrona, regional governor for Southwestern Mindanao of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), was quoted in reports as saying.

Hebrona said the positive development concerning peace in Mindanao will not only benefit the main southern Philippines island but “the whole country as well”.

US support

The United States, for its part, said it also welcomes the finalisation of the framework peace pact.

“We welcome the announcement by the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that the two sides finalised a framework peace agreement,” said a statement issued by US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr.

The United States government had been among the most active supporters of the peace process in Mindanao. There are a number of US companies operating on the southern main island while the US armed forces had deployed military advisers in Sulu, Zamboanga City and Central Mindanao for several years.

Thomas said that “while much work remains, successful implementation of this agreement would improve security, stability, and development for the people of Mindanao”.

“We also acknowledge the deliberate steps by all parties to maintain the cease-fire that has been in place since 2009. We fully support the ongoing peace process and hope the parties can continue to avoid violence as they work toward a final resolution that will last for generations and benefit all the people of the Philippines,” Thomas said.