Gov’t, MILF fail to approve remaining annexes on power sharing

MANILA, Philippines - The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) failed to approve the remaining annexes on power sharing and normalization as they concluded Friday night the 40th round of exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The remaining annexes on power sharing and normalization, together with the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro and the signed annexes on transitional arrangements and modalities, and revenue generation and wealth sharing, would comprise the comprehensive agreement that the government and the MILF aim to sign this year.

In a joint statement, the government and the MILF welcomed the gradual return of Zamboanga City to normalcy. They also acknowledged the challenge before them to ensure that the peace process between them would make a lasting contribution to peace and understanding among all people in Mindanao.

“Despite the gravity and difficulty of the issues, there was progress in the discussions. The parties remain committed to find creative solutions to finish the remaining annexes and resolve to forge a comprehensive peace pact that will be inclusive of the interests and welfare of all Bangsamoro,” the government and MILF peace panels said.

The government and MILF also announced that the Independent Commission on Policing (ICP) was convened for the first time.

“As agreed, the ICP shall commence its work by mid-October. The parties also welcomed the new member of the International Contact Group, the Community of Sant’Egidio and the attendance of representatives from two Mindanao civil society organizations as observers to the meeting,” the two panels added.

Deles: Gov’t did not sideline Misuari

Presidential adviser on the peace process Teresita Deles meanwhile maintained that the government did not sideline Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari and his faction in the MNLF.

In an interview over radio station dzBB, Deles said the government has consistently invited Misuari and his faction in the MNLF to join the peace process that the government is undertaking with the MILF, even prior to the signing in Malacañang of the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro.

“The peace negotiation with the MILF is not exclusive to the MILF. Even before the signing of the framework agreement on Bangsamoro, Misuari and his faction had been invited by the government,” Deles said.

She said the government invited Misuari and former Cotabato Vice Mayor Muslimin Sema to nominate their respective representatives for the Transition Commission, but they refused.

She also said that Misuari cannot impose his own will on government efforts for peace should he decide to join the peace talks.

“If what you are asking for is right, why not? But the government cannot grant a provisional government. It cannot be given because it will create more problems. Hope kept us alive. If you will join, but then you only want to have your own will followed, that is not acceptable,” Deles said. – With John Unson