MILF urged to back Aquino’s reform programs in ARMM

KORONADAL CITY, Philippines—A senior government official on Friday urged the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to support President Benigno Aquino’s reform programs in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“While peace talks are proceeding in earnest, the government will take every opportunity to address the problems that the people of Muslim Mindanao encounter. It is up to the MILF if it wants to stand in the sidelines,” Marvic Leonen, a senior government peace negotiator, said in an e-mailed press statement.

But Leonen admitted that the government will be disappointed if the MILF “chooses to be an obstacle to these reforms.”

Emphasizing “the urgent need of the constituencies for economic development and good governance,” Leonen said the government is very much committed to implement reforms in the ARMM.

These include the audit of ARMM expenditures; addressing the vulnerabilities for corruption; equipping local governments the capability to address the concerns of their constituents; and economic development to benefit the people of Mindanao.

The MILF has called the ARMM sham autonomy.

Reached for comment, Mohagher Iqbal, MILF chief negotiator, told the Inquirer they would not hinder the reforms that Aquino wants to implement in the fledgling region.

Iqbal said the only thing they were opposing is the government’s decision to allow oil and gas exploration projects in ARMM areas.

He said they had called on the government to stop the activities because this would have a bearing on the question of ancestral domain.

“We had expected that they will reject our call but our position remains,” Iqbal said.

In Zamboanga City, Basilan Governor Jum Akbar told the Inquirer that she could not do anything if Aquino chooses former Anak Mindanao Representative Mujiv Hataman as caretaker governor of ARMM.

Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu had earlier confirmed that Aquino, during a meeting attended by ARMM provincial governor, including Akbar, in Malacañang on May 30, urged them to support Hataman.

Hataman is a suspect in the Batasan blast, which killed Akbar’s husband, former Basilan Representative Wahab Akbar.

“Even if we didn’t want him there, if he’s the President’s choice, we could not do anything,” she said.

The appointment of an OIC governor is part of the ARMM reform agenda of Aquino.

“He (Aquino) knows what’s best,” Akbar said.

Hataman told the Inquirer he continues to reach out to the Akbars.