MNLF was part of peace talks with MILF, says gov’t peace panel member

SENEN BACANI: No threat PHOTO FROM OPAPP.GOV.PH

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—Government peace panel member Senen Bacani on Thursday said the government did not believe the Moro National Liberation Front or the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters of Ameril Umra Kato are threats to the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Bacani flew to the city for the peace forum organized by the Mindanao People’s Caucus.

“We always look at opportunities, at possible areas of convergence,” Bacani said, in reaction to Nur Misuari’s threats of suing the government before the International Court of Justice.

Bacani also said the MNLF was never left out of the peace talks with the MILF, contrary to what Misuari wanted to appear.

“In fact, a major force of the MNLF was involved in the talks and its development since the very start,” he said, citing about 130 government-initiated consultations with various sectors, including representatives of the former rebel group.

“The MNLF was already included in the process, marami kaming consultations ginawa (we did a lot of consultations) from the start, we had junior cadres workshop, we involved MNLF women and relatives, although not all of them were there; the major part of the MNLF was with us,” he said.

In the case of Kato’s group, Bacani said the government always considered it as a “law enforcement” issue.

“We were told they (Kato’s group) are already outside MILF, we regard the BIFF as a law enforcement issue and should be treated as such,” he said.

Bacani said the same treatment applies to the Abu Sayyaf.

He acknowledged that the framework agreement was not perfect but with the help of stakeholders, a solution to the Bangsamoro problem can be jointly formulated and undertaken.

“It is up to all of us to get involved. Dapat sama sama para may solution (we should come together to find solutions),” Bacani said.

For pessimists and critics, Bacani said: “There can never be a perfect negotiation. You have the right to speak your piece and we respect your opinions. But something has to be decided so we could achieve a just and lasting peace.”

He said the framework agreement was just the start of a long process aimed at ending the war in Mindanao.

“Hopefully, by 2016 we can accomplish substantial part of the agreement,” he said.