Palace: Gov’t wants MNLF to take part in final peace deal

Moro National Liberation Front. AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Sunday said it still wants the participation of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the final peace deal for Mindanao.

“Ang nais po ng ating pamahalaan ay maging kalahok ang pinakamaraming stakeholders, ‘yun pong may mga taya sa katahimikan sa Mindanao, kasama pa rin naman diyan ‘yung ating mga kababayan na kasapi ng MNLF dahil doon sa mga naunang panahon sila ay nagsikap din na maitatag ang kapayapaan,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said.

(“The government wants the participation of many stakeholders, those who have a stake in the peace in Mindanao, including the MNLF that had in a past persevered for peace in the region.)

He said the government continues to encourage the MNLF to participate, especially since they aim to make the peace process inclusive.

The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Saturday inked the fourth and final annex of what will constitute a comprehensive peace deal. The normalization annex paves the way for the MILF’s laying down of arms.

However, the Nur Misuari-led faction of the MNLF is said to oppose the deal because it waters down its own 1996 peace agreement with the government.

In September, Misuari’s men clashed with government forces, resulting in what is now called the Zamboanga City siege.

Coloma said that they will nevertheless respect those who continue to oppose the deal.

He said once the final peace deal is approved, the drafting of a Bangsamoro Basic Law and its approval through a plebiscite will soon follow.

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