Military not worried over MILF frustration

MANILA, Philippines - The military believes that the frustration of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) with the current status of the peace talks would not lead to violence.

Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the concerns of the MILF could be addressed through peaceful negotiations.

“Their frustrations can be discussed during negotiations but their frustration does not equate to violence or offensive actions,” Zagala said in a press conference Monday.

“The MILF and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are abiding with the peace process. We both support the peace process,” he added.

Zagala said they would continue to honor the ceasefire with the MILF. He said the situation on the ground remains “very peaceful” despite the issues confronting the negotiations.

“I believe like us, the MILF is also seeking a peaceful resolution,” he said.

Earlier, the MILF scored the government for allegedly diluting the annexes on wealth-sharing initialed by representatives of the two panels last February. The MILF opposes any changes to the annexes, saying the document has been extensively discussed.

Vice Chairman for Political Affairs Ghadzali Jaafar said many MILF ground commanders are losing hope that the Bangsamoro issue would be addressed through negotiations.

He said there have been sentiments that the government is deliberately delaying the signing of a comprehensive compact agreement.

Government negotiators admitted that the review of the annexes is taking time since they do not want to craft an agreement that is not doable.

Government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer also confirmed that the government wants to introduce changes to the draft annex regarding provisions on  taxation, fund transfer mechanisms and revenue-sharing.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said the delays would actually make the actual legislative work easier. The creation of a new Bangsamoro region, an integral part of the final peace agreement, will have to be approved by Congress.

Despite the impasse, Jaafar said they continue to believe in the president’s seriousness to resolve the Bangsamoro issue through peaceful means.

The MILF, however, warned that a delay in the peace talks would cause more harm to the government and could stir negative reactions from the international community.