MILF rejects changes in proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law

Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal gestures during a forum on the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law on Friday in Mandaluyong City. At left is Teresita Deles, presidential adviser on the peace process. AP

The peace negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has said the changes being introduced in the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law are unacceptable.

But Mohagher Iqbal also said the insurgents would continue to appeal to lawmakers to pass legislation that could help end a decades-old rebellion in the Philippines’ south.

Iqbal, chief negotiator of the 11,000-strong MILF, on Friday said delays in the bill’s passage had made the insurgents anxious. He added, however, that rebel leaders remained “in control of the situation” and were updating commanders on progress in efforts to enforce the peace deal, which was signed last year.

A police antiterror assault in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, led to the killing of 44 commandos in Jan. 25 clashes that involved some of the rebels, causing delays in the passage of the autonomy bill.