GOVT OFFERS MILF 'MORE GENUINE' AUTONOMY / MILF REJECTS 'AUTONOMY', WANTS 'SUB-STATE'
[PHOTO - Philippine President Benigno Aquino and the head of the country's main Muslim rebel, MILF]
MANILA, AUGUST 25, 2011 (STAR) By Aurea Calica - The government is offering the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) a more genuine and enhanced autonomy that would be responsive to the needs of its constituents.
In the 11-point characteristics of the government's proposal to the MILF presented during the formal exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia beginning yesterday until Aug. 24, the administration said the "proposal recognizes the identity of the Bangsamoro and its history," thus avoiding "simplification of the solutions for a complex and myriad problem."
"The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) may have been a failed experiment in the past, but the current proposal is based on a more balanced understanding of whether its past failure was due to its structure and the systems that it spawned or the quality of the past national or regional leadership. This proposal presents the possibility of a more empowered, more workable, and thus, more genuine autonomy of a Bangsamoro region," the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said in a statement.
The ARMM was offered to the then secessionist Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) led by Nur Misuari, who became the region's first governor.
The proposal also includes weapons disposal, disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation of combatants and process to achieve restorative justice.
"The proposal works on the premise that the form of government that should be entrenched should be able to deliver good and effective governance, social services and foster economic development within the soonest possible time," the statement read.
"The proposal continues a discussion on how revenue and the use of resources could enhance autonomy. However, it also introduces the idea that ecological and cultural diaspora as a result of unbridled exploitation of resources have effects far beyond political boundaries. The proposal therefore includes a system of cooperation between the national and regional government to ensure sustainable futures," it added.
The OPAPP stressed any agreement would be within the bounds of the Constitution as "the proposal shows government's awareness of the extent of the legal and political powers of the President."
"However, it is also a political document that is intended to cause public discussion that can support future debates, when it becomes necessary, in other constitutional forums such as the legislature and the courts," the statement said.
The OPAPP said the proposal would work "with what is available and doable within the next few years."
The OPAAP said the proposal was founded on partnership and had the potential to create mutual trust amongst peoples of the country, heal the wounds of conflict, mobilize and capacitate Bangsamoro leaders and therefore increase understanding among all Filipinos of every ascribed identity.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said any peace agreement with the MILF would be within the bounds of the Constitution and that the administration's proposal to the rebel group would include "weapons disposal, disarmament, demobilization and rehabilitation of combatants" as part of the "normalization" process.
In a statement, Deles said the government panel would raise the status of Umra Kato, the leader of the MILF breakaway group.
"The government views the Kato issue with serious concern as it has a tremendous impact on the negotiations," Deles said, citing Kato's status with the MILF as one of the two important agenda in the peace talks.
The OPAPP also released the "11-point characteristics" of government proposal to the MILF to remove any doubts on how the administration would move forward for peace after President Aquino secretly met with MILF chief Al Haj Murad Ibrahim in Tokyo, Japan recently.
"The government proposal is based on the results of extensive consultations of the Philippine panel with the different stakeholders in the Mindanao peace process. It takes into consideration the welfare of the people, the country and the Bangsamoro and most importantly, the overwhelming humanitarian needs of Filipinos caught in never-ending conflict," Deles said.
Deles said the government peace proposal is based on the results of extensive consultations of the government panel with the different stakeholders in the Mindanao peace process.
"It takes into consideration the welfare of the people, the country and the Bangsamoro and, most importantly, the overwhelming humanitarian needs of Filipinos caught in never-ending conflict," she said.
Palace won't intervene in MILF feud
President Aquino clarified Sunday that the government would not launch any offensive against the feuding factions of the MILF while the peace talks are on-going.
Aquino who attended the "Ninoy, My Hero" exhibit at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong to commemorate the 28th death anniversary of his father, the late Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr., said MILF's problem with the splinter group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters leader Umra Kato is internal to the rebels.
"Don't make us quarrel. They (MILF) have an internal problem and let them resolve it among themselves," said Aquino, adding that the government's concern is the safety of civilians who might be caught in the crossfire.
Aquino said government forces would make sure that no one is hurt while the two factions continue the hostilities among themselves, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development has been tasked to ensure that the needs of the affected civilians are taken care of.
The resumption of exploratory talks was supposed to start yesterday and chief government negotiator Marvic Leonen reported that the agenda of the three-day meeting is the submission of the government's proposal to bring peace and development in Mindanao.
"The government panel will present its proposal to the MILF on the first day of the talks. This proposal is the position of the government, guided solely by national interest and based on our consultations with the different stakeholders in the Mindanao peace process," Leonen sid
"Contrary to claims of critics, the government panel is not going to Malaysia to sign a peace agreement. We have learned from the lessons of the past and we will not repeat the same mistakes. I would like to emphasize that there is no done deal," Leonen assured.
"The MILF panel will have to review the (government) proposal and seek clarifications of its contents. The next step is for both panels, in the spirit of transparency and inclusivity, to consult with the stakeholders so we can forge a peace agreement, as nothing yet is final," he added.
Leonen said the case of Kato's group gives the government "serious concerns."
"We will be seeking clarification on the status of Kato and the BIFF from our counterparts in the MILF," said Leonen.
"In the meantime, we are deep into our preparations for the talks as the entire administration remains committed to the primacy of the peace process," he said in a statement.
The MILF had assailed Nur Misuari, former chairman of the MNLF, for insinuating that Kato has more fighting men than MILF chieftain Al-Haj Murad.
Muhammad Ameen, chief of the secretariat of the MILF's central revolutionary committee, also refuted Misuari's statement that there are now five factions in the MILF, one of which is allegedly led by Murad while the rest are under commanders that no longer recognize Murad's leadership.
Misuari leads one of at least four factions in the MNLF, which signed on Sept. 2, 1996 a final peace pact with government.
Ameen said despite the renegade group of Kato that bolted last year, the MILF remains a monolithic organization governed by Islamic principles in unity, fraternalism and cooperation.
The military earlier said Kato only has about 100-150 armed followers, now holding out in strategic areas in Maguindanao's adjoining Datu Piang, Datu Unsay and Guindulungan towns. – With Delon Porcalla, John Unson, Jose Rodel Clapano
FROM MALAYA BUSINESS INSIGHTS
MILF rejects draft of peace pact Wants 'sub-state' used instead of 'autonomy' BY JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR
[PHOTO - MORO MUSLIM REBELS: Mindanao the second largest island also known as southern Philippines is a home to fifteen million Muslims of different tribes: Banguingui , Eyyakan, Iranun, Maranao, Maguindanao, Samal, and Tausog. The war-torn Mindanao remains poor and undeveloped since the successive present of foreign invaders such as Spain, Japan and the US.]
THE peace panel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front yesterday rejected a proposed agreement from government because it did not include the MILF's proposed sub-state, chief government negotiator Marvic Leonen said.
Leonen and peace adviser Teresita Deles downplayed the rejection because the MILF did not walk out or return the government's proposal. The MILF panel will take the proposal to their leaders for further discussion, they said.
The government and MILF panels are on their second day of exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur.
"The parties have their various positions on the table. It is not unusual in negotiations that one of the parties take a hard-line position on the content of the initial document of a party," said Leonen.
Leonen said the MILF was expecting the word "sub-state" in the proposal which the government panel submitted Monday. The term sub-state is in the MILF's proposed peace agreement.
Leonen said government opted to use the word autonomy because there is a negative connotation to the word "sub-state."
"They have already said that they are expecting the word sub-state. We did not have the word sub-state in our proposal…We are going to the public and perhaps there can be some opening because we think that at the MILF side, they are very rational people," he said.
Leonen also said the government panel will explain to stakeholders the government's proposal while awaiting the stand of the MILF.
He said the government's 20-page government proposal is a "principled, realistic, and practical proposal that follows a comprehensive three-for-one approach or three components for one solution to the Bangsa Moro problem."
These components are massive economic development in Mindanao, a cultural-historical acknowledgement, and a political settlement or a peace accord with the MILF.
The massive economic development component includes "transformation" of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, pouring of social services into and economic development for the region.
The second component aims to correct historical narratives and fosters appreciation of distant cultures borne out of the struggles of all Filipinos, including those of Bangsamoro identity, he said.
Political settlement involves the creation of a Bangsamoro Commission composed of government, MILF, and other stakeholders in the Mindanao peace process. The Commission will supervise the implementation of the components of the peace agreement, which may include lobbying in Congress for a new organic act that will contain a "strengthened autonomy" in the conflict stricken areas in Mindanao.
"It focuses more on the doables in the short-term rather than dwell on the contentious and divisive issues whose solutions may take a longer time to address," Leonen said.
[PHOTO - Ameril Umbra Kato, seated, the commander of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the breakaway faction of the largest Filipino Muslim rebel group]
During the meeting, the MILF also asked government to give it 10 days after the Eid'l Fitr celebration to address its problem with commander Ameril Umbta Kato.
The month-long Ramadan ends on August 30.
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process quoted Mohagher Iqbal, MILF peace panel chair, as saying Kato remains to be a "challenge for the MILF."
Leonen said the Central Committee already issued a resolution declaring Kato a "bougat or one who defies or does not obey an order."
MILF secretariat chairman Muhammad Ameen said there is a proposal to declare Kato and his men a renegade but until the MILF Central Committee, the highest policy making and executive body of the MILF, adopts it, Kato continues to be a member of the Muslim group.
Kato's group is said to be composed of about 300 men. – With Victor Reyes
EARLIER REPORT FROM SUNSTAR ONLINE
Aquino urged to disclose 'Tokyo deal' Saturday, August 6, 2011
[PHOTO - The unannounced Tokyo meet: Philippine President Benigno Aquino met Moro Islamic Liberation Front chairman Murad]
MANILA – Philippine government's assurance of no secret deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) failed to silence the political opposition in demanding for a full disclosure of Thursday's Tokyo meeting.
"The people are entitled to know in the spirit of transparency what happened during the furtive talks," House Minority leader Edcel Lagman said in a statement.
Malacanang has dismissed reports that a secret agreement was reached between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF in Tokyo recently.
The two-hour meeting which took place in a hotel near the Narita airport in Tokyo was the first time that a Philippine President has met with the chairman of the rebel group since the on-again, off-again peace talks started 14 years ago.
Lagman, an ally of former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, said Aquino should explain the reason in making his trip to Japan a secret. Members of the media were not informed of the said trip until an international news website released the report.
"What are the parameters for the impending peace negotiations? What are the bottom line demands of the MILF?" the Minority Leader asked Aquino to explain.
Lagman also said Aquino should tell what pieces of legislation are necessary to enhance the successful implementation of any peace accord and how much is the budgetary requirement for the conduct of the negotiations.
The opposition leader also expressed concern on how the existing Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (Armm) would fit into the negotiation and an eventual agreement, when reached.
Lagman clarified that the opposition supports the peace initiative but demands transparency from the Aquino administration.
He said there should be enough consultation. The President should not just consult with his Cabinet but the political opposition as well.
Presidential spokesman Abigail Valte said: "There was no secret agreement…The peace process will not be relevant if it is decided by two people alone. There was no such thing."
Valte said Aquino's meeting was only meant to show the government's goodwill and to kick-start peace negotiations.
GPH Peace Panel chairman Marvic Leonen earlier said "it was the President himself who sought the meeting prior to the government's submission of its own agenda for the talks."
The MILF in a statement said the historic engagement was the result of the initiative of President Aquino, who invited MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim for a personal meeting initially proposed to be held anywhere in the Philippines.
The invitation was relayed last June 2011 and was coursed through Leonen who conveyed it to the Malaysian facilitator, Tengku Dato' Ab'Ja'afar Tengku Mohammed. Through back channel mode, it was relayed to the MILF Peace Panel chair Mohagher Iqbal which, for security reasons, was all conducted in utmost confidential manner.
"While some people may agree that it was risky for the President, it shows you how much he values the peace process and how much it means to him to have a sustainable and lasting peace…like what he said, we cannot commit to that we cannot do and we will do whatever we commit to," Valte stressed.
Valte told the President's critics not to get lost in the irrelevant details of the trip and instead focus on what was achieved during the meeting – the MILF's commitment to a peace agreement within five years.
The Palace spokesperson also denied that Aquino was acting as the chief negotiator between the government peace panel and MILF.
"Certainly not. Let's not jump to these conclusions. We're getting stuck on the peripherals like security. Certainly, arrangements had been made. They're acting like something more transpired than what was revealed," she said.
The MILF statement further clarified that the meeting between Chairman Murad and President Aquino does not supplant or replace in any way the current peace negotiation being conducted by the GPH and the MILF and facilitated by Malaysia.
This was also the assurance given to the MILF and the Malaysian facilitator by Leonen when he relayed the invitation.
The MILF said that during the meeting a consensus was reached that all substantive and outstanding issues discussed by both leaders will be taken up by the peace panels for deliberation on the negotiating table. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)
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