Deadlock in the (GPH-MILF) peace talks By Saeed A. Daof | Manila Standard Today, Posted on Jun. 26, 2013 at 12:01am | 136 views My humble view is that it is proper for President Benigno Aquino III to further review and study carefully what the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace negotiators have “agreed upon” or “signed” thus far, particularly on very sensitive issues dealing with wealth/resources-sharing and power-sharing among others, before finalizing the text of the ANNEXES of the formal GPH-MILF Peace Agreement based on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) that was signed on October 15 last year. After all, in whichever direction the President’s decision leads, the results of his actions will be gauged and judged by posterity. As observed, there are good reasons to believe that with the signing of the FAB, the government and the MILF are now about ready to walk together on the aisle leading to the long-awaited formal historical signing ceremony of the GPH-MILF peace agreement. But for good reason and judgment, the President wants to review especially the ANNEXES of the very sensitive areas or issues of the peace talks before the text of the GPH-MILF peace agreement is finalized, signed, and eventually submitted for review, comment and action by Congress and the Supreme Court of the Philippines. I made strong suggestions in an article published in this newspaper that there are terms and conditions that I believe should be included and explicitly expressed in legal form and language of the final text of any GPH-MILF peace agreement. They are not criticisms, but rather, they are honest and sincere reminders that are envisioned to strengthen the commitment of both sides of the negotiating table for the attainment of a lasting peace, and to produce the kind and scope of a peace agreement that present and future generations of our people, together with the international stakeholders who are trying to help us win the peace, would likely accept, with support and respect. To begin with, it is of paramount importance that the GPH-MILF peace agreement declares, affirms and recognizes the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. It should also clearly state that the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao that is presently composed of the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Tawi-Tawi, and the City of Marawi, together with the other municipalities that shall be added in the proposed Bangsamoro political entity, should also be declared in the peace agreement as integral parts of the territory of the Republic of the Philippines. The peace agreement should also recognize that both Muslims and non-Muslims have the right to protest and air their claims and grievances against the Philippine government, but such protest should be done only through peaceful and non-violent means. The peace agreement should also affirm that regardless of creed, ideology, ethnicity, tribe, political persuasion, and religion, the leaders, followers, constituents and adherents of the MILF are Filipinos and not foreign invaders. The proposed New Political Entity of the Bangsamoro should declare, affirm, and recognize the Charter of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM Charter) or an amended ARMM Charter as the basis of the political authority and governance in the region instead of creating an entity which in substance and form is just a rehash of a “sub-state,” a form of local government that could be considered just an inch or a heartbeat away from independence. Both sides of the negotiating table should feel the pulse of nation or the silent majority, particularly in discussing and entering into agreements in areas involving governance-sharing, resource-sharing, international relations, socio-economic development, integration and culture of peace development, and unrestricted international loans that may require sovereign loan guarantees, floating international bonds, and leasing of public lands, among others. Let me explain that a 50-50 wealth- or resources-sharing from gas and oil, mineral mining and other revenue sources would be more equitable and acceptable to the general public than the present 75-25 proposed sharing in favor of the MILF. With proper explanation of the rationale and objectives of changes from what the GPH-MILF peace negotiator agreed or signed, the MILF leadership should be persuaded to acquiesce or agree. Another point that both sides of the negotiating panel should consider to include in the GPH-MILF peace agreement is the declaration of cooperation in preventing the “birth and growth” of separatist Muslim movements and or organizations. Promoting a culture of peace among Muslim tribes should be a collateral undertaking in the Mindanao peace process. As will be noted, the long drawn historical “Muslim turf war” is a very important factor and area of concern in peace building in the region that, when successfully resolved, can contribute immensely towards the speedy economic development and progress of Muslim Mindanao. The Philippine government signed a comprehensive peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1996. According to the MNLF (as published and reported in national broadsheets), there are still “unfulfilled commitments” by the Philippine government that have to be resolved or completed. On the other hand, the GPH-MILF peace talks are practically covering and discussing the same areas, issues, and people living in the area of conflict, and hence the MNLF leaders and followers are worried that their claims and grievances may not be resolved before the signing of a formal GPH-MILF peace agreement. As every thoughtful observer from the silent majority of our people hold, the credibility and effectiveness of the peace agreement will greatly be bolstered and strengthened with statements in the peace agreement that state clearly the renunciation of the secessionist stance and independence demand of the MILF. We hope and pray that it will not take long for the parties involved to finally reach an agreement that will end the conflict in Mindanao and spell peace and stability for the country. E-MAIL: sdaof2010@gmail… Mobile: +639175125046
Posted on: Wed, 26 Jun 2013 00:58:14 +0000