P42M released to the Bangsamoro Transition Commission
By Ronnel W. Domingo
The government is shoring up its peace-building efforts in Mindanao with the release of P42 million to the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC).
The government is shoring up its peace-building efforts in Mindanao with the release of P42 million to the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC).
Close to 3,000 individuals from three adjoining villages here have fled their homes as rival Moro rebel groups continue war posturing despite localized truce.
Police and Army personnel are now standing in between warring Moro rebel groups in a remote village here while top level efforts to address misunderstanding are underway.
Fighting between members of the Moro National Liberation Front and Moro Islamic Liberation Front broke out in Matalam, North Cotabato, on Thursday.
Although it has stood against involvement in electoral exercises, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has acknowledged that the outcome of the May 13 elections is “material” to the Mindanao peace process.
The government will not admit it, but the country is in a state of belligerency where rebels control certain areas and the government leaves them alone.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Saturday reiterated its “hands off” policy on the May elections but said that it would allow its members to vote.
The military is verifying reports that Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon was injured in Monday’s encounter with government troops in Basilan.
Malacañang quashed speculations, on Monday, that it has been pushing back the signing of a comprehensive deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front until after the elections to see if the administration would have the majority number of lawmakers needed to approve the Bangsamoro Law.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) chief peace negotiator said here “a lot” of politicians had been courting the rebel group to bolster their candidacies among the Moros.
The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front said they expect to conclude a peace accord as early as next month despite unresolved issues, including the delicate task of disarming the 11,000-strong guerrilla force.
The Transition Commission (Transcom), the body tasked to draft the charter for the future Bangsamoro government, will be holding its first “en banc” meeting on Wednesday, according to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine government.
It’s now or never. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) wants the peace deal with the government sealed before the term of President Benigno Aquino III ends in 2016, saying that beyond that would jeopardize the chances of having lasting peace in Mindanao.
