MNLF asks OIC to terminate review of 1996 accord

MANILA, Philippines - The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) yesterday asked the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to call for a tripartite meeting to terminate the review of the implementation of the government’s 1996 final peace agreement with the rebel group.

The MNLF made the call on the heels of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

MNLF spokesman Emmanuel Fontanilla said the termination of the review process will unbind the government and the MNLF and allow the CAB to move toward its goal.

“The termination of the review will also untie our hands so we could go back to our original political objective which is independence,” he said.

The MNLF’s appeal was sent to the Egyptian embassy in Manila, which chairs the southern Philippines peace committee of the OIC.

MNLF peace panel member Absalom Cerveza earlier told The STAR that the 1996 final peace agreement practically hindered international recognition of the declaration of independence of the Bangsamoro Republik in Mindanao.

Still cynical

Meanwhile, residents of Basilan have remained skeptical on the future of the province even with the signing of the CAB.

“While we believe that the agreement will bring lasting peace, the problem is the MNLF,” said Alton Angeles, adding that the group must also be included in the government’s peace overtures.

Angeles, a Yakan native and municipal development coordinator of Tipo-Tipo town, said residents were also apprehensive that the signing would mean the takeover of MILF commanders in areas that will fall under the new Bangsamoro region.

He said residents were also skeptical if the MILF leadership under the new Bangsamoro region could bring the needed development in all areas under it. – With Roel Pareño