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Philippines, Muslim Rebels Sign Preliminary Accord

Government peace negotiator Marvic Leonen (R) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal (L) shake hands following a formal signing ceremony in Manila, Philippines, October 15, 2012.

Observers Caution Long Road Ahead for Philippine-Muslim Peace Deal

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Simone Orendain

October 15, 2012

MANILA — The Philippine government and the country’s largest Muslim rebel group have signed an initial peace agreement that they hope will end a 40-year insurgency that has left more than 120,000 people dead. Although the agreement has wide support, it faces opposition from the former leader of a smaller group.

In a packed hall inside the presidential palace in the capital, Manila, Moro Islamic Liberation Front Chairman Murad Ebrahim said the group had “inked the most important document” in its history. The 60-something year-old Murad remarked that he himself was making history.

“Never in my wildest dream, since I was a child or when I joined the Bangsamoro struggle more than 40 years ago, that one day I will see the interior of this building,” said Ibrahim.

Philippines Peace Agreement

Creates new autonomous region called Bangsamoro in predominantly Muslim areas of Mindanao
Gives the new region more control over resources and greater political power
Calls for the gradual disarming of MILF's 11,000 fighters
Establishes a transition committee to draft a law to create a new Muslim government for Bangsamoro

Insurgents have seen the palace as a symbol of central government, which they long believed was remote, uncaring and distant. Murad said, after nearly 16 years of on again / off again negotiations marred by violence, the preliminary agreement puts the MILF on track to restoring the people in the region to their “Bangsamoro” identity and claiming their homeland.

Bangsamoro is a term coined by the rebels that identifies all natives of that part of Mindanao in the south, regardless of faith. The preliminary agreement calls for creating a Bangsamoro region that will have the power to create its own sources of revenue and wealth-sharing plans.

A number of foreign governments hailed the agreement with commitments to help develop the area.

But the leader of the Moro National Liberation Front, which forged its own peace deal in 1996, is reported to have called the framework agreement a conspiracy between the Philippines and Malaysia, which has served as peace mediator. The front’s former chairman, Nur Misuari, said it could lead to another crisis and war in Mindanao. He could not be reached by phone but an aide said he will “definitely not be going [to the peace signing], to which he is opposed.”

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front

Largest Muslim rebel group in the Philippines
Formed in 1978 by Egypt-educated cleric Salamat Hashim, who broke from the Moro National Liberation Front
Fought a 40-year conflict for a Muslim homeland
More than 120,000 people were killed in the conflict
Held several rounds of peace talks with Philippines government since 1997
Linked to several militant and terrorist groups, including al-Qaida linked Jemaah Islamiyah

The MILF broke away from the MNLF in 1977. The 11,000-strong Islamic Liberation Front became the larger of the two and fought on beyond the MNLF’s agreement.

After Monday's signing ceremony, government chief negotiator Marvic Leonen said this is a “golden opportunity” for all leaders of rebel groups to work together to form the governing principles of the Bangsamoro region.

“As far as we’re concerned it is possible to jive and harmonize the commitments that we have made to the MNLF - only the commitments that we have made to the MNLF - with the commitments that we are now making with the MILF,” said Leonen.

In his speech, Murad appealed to the MNLF leadership. He said it was not the time for recriminations but for unity and the “time to think, act and speak as one Bangsamoro…”

The negotiators of both parties say they expect to have the final peace accord before the end of the year. Their goal is to have the new region ready to fully function by 2016.

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by: Copper from: USA

October 16, 2012 2:50 PM

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The Islamists intent on Jihad will only sign a treaty as a ruse. They are losing and realize they need to secure the gains they have made. While the infidels are believing there will now be 'peace', they are deceived. The Islamist will never stop until the are dominating the entire world OR they are so crushed that they will fall back into their enclaves to lick their wounds and get strong again. They are encouraged because the GOVERNMENT is bargaining WITH them giving them credence. This is a foolish move which ensures future conflict and more murders. PHILIPPINES, you have bargained with satan, unless you wise up, you will lose.

by: Armstrong from: USA

October 16, 2012 7:09 AM

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Until 2016 They will blackmail unfollowable chances to get surely including as wide region as they get. Actually fighted back by foreigners like Malays, Indonesians and Bangalis commanded by OIC Via clerics who had been trained in Alkaida schools of Egypt , Pakistan and so on. After 2016 they will open a new front to invade the whole country. By this way next 50 to 100yrs the whole world will be Muslim colony. Surprisingly wealthy Big countries are keeping quiet not to loose their income from Muslim world. I will like to tell all of you" In this way world you are conquered will be ruined soon, we follow your principle of Democracy will be ruined . All of the leaders of Democracy are neglecting Muslim Colonization and you will be lacking people of your duty in History of World."

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