OFFBEAT MAIL

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...

Pres. Aquino with MILF officials. The stalled peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) may breed contempt. Over the years, attempts by the government to put an end to the atrocities in Mindanao, especially in areas where the MILF groups are encamped, have failed. As time passes by, new demands are laid out on the table during negotiations until such time that the government negotiators are no longer able to decipher what to do.  If they did, they couldn't implement the proper strategies that are applicable and acceptable to the other party for a million reasons. And it seems the ball is now in the hands of the MILF.  Try to go to Mindanao and you will see that MILF forces are still occupying territories that they claim are theirs. For many years now, the MILF occupied Al-Barka Camp and converted it as their headquarters. I think it is a stupid idea of the MILF to claim that Al-Barka belongs to them. Did the MILF buy ...