OFFBEAT MAIL

MILF chair Murad Ebrahim (center). This is my reaction to Mr. Amando Doronila's column "Bangsamoro framework: The inside story", which appeared at the www.inquirer.net, on Oct. 29. One of the particular paragraphs that caught my attention focused on: “The MILF wanted to have full jurisdiction [over] the judicial system, including banks, budgeting, and creation of taxes and revenues, as well as full control over policing and internal security,” the paper said. The paper being referred to above is titled “Forging a Peace Settlement for the Bangsamoro: Compromises and Challenges,” a copy of which was obtained by the Inquirer. It was presented by professor Miriam Coronel Ferrer of the Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines, at the recent 2012 Philippines Update Conference at Australian National University in Canberra. Ferrer is a member of the Philippine negotiating panel in the talks with the MILF. I don't want to sound like a...

The Organization for Islamic Conference (OIC) is trying its best to push for an initiative that will unify the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). This after MNLF chair Prof. Nur Misuari has threatened to file a case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) after it was left out in the negotiations where the Philippine government panel agreed in principle to form the frameworks for the creation of the Bangsamoro governent, in place of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The MNLF rose up against the government during the time of former President Ferdinand Marcos until the reign of power by former President Fidel V. Ramos who successfully brought the MNLF leadership on the peace negotiating table, which led to the establishment of the ARMM. Miisuari said the abolition of the ARMM would mean violation of the Tripoli Agreement.  Prof. Nur Misuari Some political observers interpreted the government's acco...

Philippine government peace negotiators and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have agreed in principle to lay down the frameworks for the creation of the Bangsamoro government, in place of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which will automatically be abolished once a new Muslim government is created in Mindanao.  Government forces in action Political observers said once and for all, the agreement is expected to put an end to the hostilities that already killed at least 150,000 people since the insurgency started in Mindanao many decades ago. They said that this political initiative will largely contribute in stabilizing the peace and order situation in the country. Lawmakers explained that the provisions of the law that will establish the Bangsamoro will be deliberated in Congress. Then, it will be resolved through a referendum. It is now up to the Filipino people as to whether they are sold out to the idea of allowing the MILF to run its own autono...