MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim meanwhile, in his opening statement cited that while it is “a bold step” on the side of the GPH to forge partnership with them, they view it as a partnership, “not with the usual institutions of the government but with one of its adversaries in a remarkable journey to peace.”
By ALEX D. LOPEZ
Davao Today
SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao, Philippines– For the first time after the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro was signed in October last year, President Benigno Aquino III visited a stronghold of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) here Monday (February 11) , bringing with him a socio-economic package for MILF combatants and their families, meant “to immediately bring the benefits of peace.”
Called a Sajahatra Bangsamoro program, the package include provision of health insurance, health services upgrade, college scholarships, support to madaris and private schools including technical-vocational training, cash for work livelihood programs in selected Bangsamoro communities.
Through the Sajahatra program, Aquino said there is no need to wait for a long time to effect change. “What can be started must begin now,” he said, suggesting optimism that peace is at hand with the MILF.
He further announced in his message to the guests and participants that a comprehensive peace agreement between the GPH and the MILF will soon be forged.
Secretary Teresita Deles of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Peace Process said the Sajahatra Bangsamoro program is a partnership between the GPH and the MILF.
MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim meanwhile, in his opening statement cited that while it is “a bold step” on the side of the GPH to forge partnership with them, they view it as a partnership, “not with the usual institutions of the government but with one of its adversaries in a remarkable journey to peace.”
Murad also cautioned against “losing sight of the imperatives and the challenges of the works ahead in achieving peace and development,” while maintaining hopes in achieving “at the soonest possible the signing of a comprehensive compact between the GPH and the MILF.”
Murad stressed that development must stand alone on the solid foundation of “permanent peace,” which according to him, can be achieved only “by addressing the fundamental and political issues that have fueled this conflict and consumed the energy and resources of this region and this country.”
He aired his appeal to the international community for patience and understanding by stating that there is no need to immediately jump into implementing programs and projects for development.
“It is our sincere belief that we cannot jump immediately into massive programs for development without the solid foundation of a permanent and durable peace,” Murad emphasized.
“The MILF cannot simply mislead you and lure you into investing the hard-earned money of your taxpayers into development without the assurance of durable peace.” (Alex D. Lopez/davaotoday.com)
Peace Process
