Gov’t: No abrogation of MNLF peace agreement

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita “Ging” Deles. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The government on Tuesday clarified that its ongoing peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will not abrogate or water down an earlier peace deal with another group.

“[Peace Process Secretary Teresita Deles] said that there is no abrogation of the 1996 final peace agreement,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said at a press briefing, referring to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

The Philippine government and the MNLF in 1996 sealed a final peace agreement, leading to the cessation of hostilities between the two parties. The deal gave birth to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

However, the new deal being crafted with the MILF will also create a Bangsamoro political entity, which will dissolve the ARMM.

But Coloma said they are open to the MNLF’s participation in the process and the drafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

“In fact, the government wishes to incorporate into the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law all the best features of the 1996 final peace agreement, as well as those on the Organic Act for the ARMM or Republic Act no. 9054,” he said.

He pointed out that they have also adopted the 42 consensus points agreed upon during the tripartite talks between the government, the MNLF and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).

“These consensus points will be conveyed to the Bangsamoro Transition Commission that is tasked to draft the bill,” Coloma added.

Once drafted and passed by Congress, the Bangsamoro Basic Law will have to be approved through a plebiscite.

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