Peace panel members urged to engage in soul-searching

MANILA, Philippines - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has urged the members of the peace panel to engage in soul-searching, as it noted that the annexes of the Bangsamoro framework agreement has not been completed.

In an editorial posted on its website luwaran.com, the MILF said the non-completion of the annexes hampers the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which will pave way for the creation of a new Bangsamoro region.

“The main hindrance has been the inability of the government and MILF to finish the four annexes so that they could finally sign the comprehensive peace agreement,” the MILF said.

The group said the Bangsamoro Transition Commission wanted the law drafted soon, as it was formed almost five months ago or last March.

“It is better for both parties to engage in soul-searching, as a form of discernment, to better their acts together next time. We are not pointing to the government as the main source of the delay, because finger-pointing or blame game does not help,” it said. 

The government and the MILF have so far signed two of the four annexes, the Annex on Transitional Arrangements on Modalities, and the Annex on Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing.

Others that have yet to be completed are the Annexes on power-sharing and normalization.

The MILF said it is important to engage the public in the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

“When there is communication, bridges of understanding are created between and among people that lead to cooperation. But a well-meaning engagement cannot start unless all the four annexes or the CPA is signed,” it said.

The 39th round of negotiations between the government and the MILF resumed yesterday in Kuala Lumpur and would end today.