Gov’t, MILF urged to resist war lure

A former adviser of the late Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Salamat Hashim Saturday appealed to government to pursue the peace process and provide “continuity” in ongoing negotiations for a peace deal.

Saeed Daof, former chairman of the economic development committee of the MILF under Salamat, said in a statement that President Aquino’s stand against an escalation of hostilities was laudable but the MILF should also do something to pay the President’s gesture back.

“The MILF could be in a position to help identify and cooperate in arresting misguided elements,” the statement quoted Daof as saying.

The government, however, should “ensure fair trial for those apprehended,” he said. “Punish those found guilty and exonerate the innocent,” the former MILF official said.

“It takes two to tango,” he said. “Let’s not kid ourselves. I know and you know that the Philippine military is far superior in strength to the MILF,” he said.

Daof said he hoped everyone would see that the real intention of government is “not to completely annihilate the MILF or remove them from the face of the earth.”

“The government’s ultimate goal is to integrate them and their constituents into the mainstream society,” he said.

He reiterated his appeal for sobriety and restraint among MILF leaders.