AFP appeals to the MILF to be patient

AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala: Fully supportive. NOY MORCOSO/ INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The Armed Forces of the Philippines urged the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to be patient as it reiterated its support for the peace process, with the draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law being reviewed this month.

“What we want really is the continuous success of the Bangsamoro Basic Law… We are fully supportive of the peace process,” said AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala.

He assured that ground commanders were holding dialogues with MILF leaders and appealing to their understanding and patience regarding the draft law.

“We’re asking their patience, that talks are ongoing, that things will come together…  We don’t want to talk anything about it being negative, contingencies or whatsoever because we are really fixed on this,” Zagala added.

The Bangsamoro Basic Law is among the 26 priority measures that President Aquino asked Congress to pass.

Both the government and MILF peace panels are reviewing the articles of the draft law and are hoping to submit the proposed law to Congress within this month.

Zagala said they were constantly assuring the MILF in its dialogues that the AFP supports and remains positive about the Bangsamoro Basic Law.–Julie M. Aurelio