MILF general consultations to boost ongoing peace process, says Palace

MANILA, July 6 (PNA) -- Malacanang said it hopes that the Bangsamoro general assembly to be conducted by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) this weekend will eventually pave the way for the signing of a peace agreement with the Aquino government.

The MILF is holding its general assembly starting July 7 to 9 in Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. The MILF said that at least 500,000 to one million people will be attending the general assembly.
Representatives from the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and other international organizations are expected to participate.
“We view this as a positive development for the MILF to consolidate its support for the peace agreement. And so it’s something that we welcome. Secretary Ging Deles and the negotiating panel will be there in Camp Darapanan to attend,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a media briefing in Malacanang on Friday.
Asked by reporters if the Aquino administration expects the meeting to fast-track the signing of a peace agreement with the MILF, Lacierda said: “We certainly would hope so and as we have always stated, we are cautiously optimistic that a peace agreement will be signed within this administration.”
During the last general assembly held in 2005, some 900,000 MILF followers went to Camp Darapanan to know the progress of the peace talks then.
The goals of the MILF consultative assembly is to rally supporters behind its negotiating positions, to keep restive rebel commanders in line and check their loyalties, and to show its force and influence in Mindanao to the general public.
The MILF has been battling the government for over 30 years to achieve self-rule in Mindanao. Upon assuming office, the President initiated renewed peace efforts with the MILF hoping that under his term a peace deal would be signed.

Analysts have estimated that the conflict has resulted in some 50,000 to 60,000 deaths for the past 30 years. (PNA)

Deles, Leonen to grace MILF assembly in Maguindanao

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao, July 6 (PNA) -- Presidential peace adviser Secretary Teresita Deles and chief government negotiator Atty. Marvic Leonen will be joining the biggest Bangsamoro gathering in Mindanao beginning Saturday.

Ghadzali Jaafar, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) vice chair for political affairs, said Deles and Leonen have confirmed their participation in the two-day gathering of Moro community leaders who will be consulted on the progress of the GPh-MILF peace process.
"Both peace advocates have confirmed their participation and we are very glad," Jaafar said.
MILF, the gathering organizer, said the Bangsamoro Leaders' Assembly to be held at Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, is expecting more than 500,000 individuals from all over the country.
Major General Rey Ardo, chief of the 6th Infantry Division, said he will personally attend the assembly on two reasons.
"I will attend because I was invited and I would like to show that the military is supportive of the government's peace initiatives, the gathering being part of the peace process," Ardo told reporters.
Soldiers were deployed around the vicinity of Camp Darapanan, the MILF stronghold, to secure participants coming in to the venue from as far as Metro Manila, Baguio, Visayas and Mindanao.
Also invited are officials and diplomats of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chair Nur Misuari.
On the second day of the assembly, a close-door plenary will be held while MILF chair Ebrahim Mohammad Al Haj will hold a news conference.
About 100 local, national and foreign journalists have signified their intention to attend, Jaafar said.
Mohaqher Iqbal, MILF chief negotiator, said non-Muslims were also invited and many have confirmed their attendance.

After the opening program, Deles and Leonen will hold a news conference Saturday at the 6th ID headquarters here before proceeding to Manila. (PNA)