Muslim separatist rebels in the southern Philippines said Sunday they are ready to sign a deal with the government giving them control of large swathes of land.
The agreement grants the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) an autonomous region which will have its own legal, banking and education systems, civil service and internal security force.
"It's all systems go for the signing of the agreement on August 5," MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu told Agence France-Presse by phone from his base in Mindanao in the south.
"Our men on the ground want to see peace in Mindanao, and we have been talking for a long time already," he said.
The government of the proposed MILF-controlled area would also have the power to send trade missions and enter into international economic arrangements, according to a draft of the agreement obtained by the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
It is expected to be signed in Malaysia on Tuesday and will be witnessed by Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo and his Malaysian counterpart Rais Yatim, officials said.
The proposed homeland will cover villages and municipalities in eight provinces in Mindanao, where the MILF has been waging a bloody rebellion since 1978.
The ancestral domain is the last remaining hurdle for a final political settlement that is expected to end the four decades-old insurgency that has claimed more than 120,000 lives.
Once it is signed, both sides are expected to work towards signing a final peace deal that would include plans for the future of the MILF's 12,000 fighters, many of whom have said they will not disarm.
6 comments:
If this deal thus push through then it would be very beneficial to everyone. Also, this may serve as a step towards working peace in our country.
I just hope that, if there is already a pact between the MILFs and the government then the killings, kidnappings and stuff like that would stop. Then no one would get hurt and no one would be worried of being in danger. It would make our country a safe and more livable place.
I believe that the peace agreement and this deal between the government and the MILF should push through. We need peace if we want to develop our country. I also believe that Mindanao should have its own set of laws since Islams and Christians have different beliefs.
if this happens peace in mindanao may happen. it is also difficult to improve our country when there are 2 sides colliding
i believe should this peace deal went through the MILF will still continue their fight against the govt.as the govt easily gave in all the demand of the MILF,and they more likely to demand more and more area from the govt.
Just like in the Ces Drilon Kidnapping, the government should not give in to what the MILF asks. What if the MILF asked for more? then the fight won't stop? Peace will be there if this deal will be signed. but do you think it will last?
i would like to see this deal push through really. Its been ages since the MILF started conflicts with the government. I think that they need to have this because of the difference in culture and needs. Although not many political leaders may approve, this deal could turn out to be the best solution to avoid more conflicts.
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