Palace hoping BIFF will respect peace talks

Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) INQUIRER File Photo

MANILA, Philippines – “Let’s give it a chance” was the Palace’s plea on Sunday in the hopes that the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) would respect and consider the ongoing peace talks.

“Siguro sana bigyan po natin ng pagkakataon ‘yung ito hong binubuong agreement…Let’s give it a chance. Let’s look at the annexes. Let’s look at how beneficial it will be to our brothers and sisters in Mindanao,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press briefing.

(Perhaps we should give chance to this peace agreement that is being drafted…Let’s give it a chance. Let’s look at the annexes. Let’s look at how beneficial it will be to our brothers and sisters in Mindanao.)

The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Jan. 25 inked the last annex needed to seal the comprehensive peace deal between the two parties. Both are saying that the final agreement will be signed soon.

Valte said the administration wants peace for Mindanao, when asked about the BIFF’s statement that its members would rather die than surrender to the government.

She said the people of Mindanao only suffer from “such incidents,” referring to the continuing clashes between government forces and the BIFF, a breakaway group of the MILF.

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