Gov’t, MILF agree on power-sharing, go closer to comprehensive peace pact

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MANILA, Philippines — The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed Sunday night in Kuala Lumpur the power-sharing annex of the framework agreement that would craft a final peace agreement after a decades-long war in Central Mindanao.

However, a source told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that power-sharing on Bangsamoro waters was not included in the document.

“It was agreed that the Bangsamoro waters would be included as an addendum,” said the source privy to the talks but was not authorized to discuss it with the media.

The signing of the power-sharing annex brings the government and the MILF closer to achieving a comprehensive peace deal, touted as the cornerstone of the administration of President Aquino.

The panels are now left to tackle the annex on normalization.

This annex includes the disarmament of the MILF fighters and justice for all the victims of the war.

The panels will convene again in January for the 43rd exploratory talks in the Malaysian capital where they will tackle the normalization annex.

All the annexes will be the basis for the crafting of a draft Bangsamoro Basic Law.

MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal earlier said that the draft basic law would be submitted to Congress in April 2014.

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