MILF, MNLF sign peace pact

MANILA, Philippines—The Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front have signed a peace pact in Matalam, North Cotabato following a series of clashes early this month that displaced over 7,000 persons, a military official said Friday.

The truce forged Thursday called for both parties to “cease and desist engaging in armed conflict,”  Army 6th Infantry Division spokesman Colonel Dickson Hermoso told INQUIRER.net.

This will give way for civilians still in evacuation centers to return to their homes, Hermoso  said.

Firelights between the two warring Moro groups displaced 7,105 people, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has said.

The clashes began May 5, when a gunbattle erupted between MNLF and MILF members in Marbel village, in Matalam town. The MNLF forces reportedly barred the entry of armed MILF members in the area who were to conduct a program to promote the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement.