Palace exec to MNLF: Give Bangsamoro framework a chance

Amid published reports that the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) plans to declare independence for Mindanao, a Malacañang spokesperson on Monday urged the group to first give a chance to the Bangsamoro framework agreement.

 

"We asked [the] MNLF to seriously look into this—seriously look into this agreement, not as MNLF but as Bangsamoro, and it includes everyone: MI[LF], MN[LF], and the lumads," presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a press briefing.

 

Lacierda issued the statement after the MNLF was earlier quoted in an article by the Manila Standard Today as saying that it may declare independence after the government supposedly refused to talk to them and abrogated the peace pact they signed in 1996. Similar newspaper reports came out last week.

 

The Palace, however, had denied this, saying it had only asked for the completion of the review process.

 

"It’s very clear with the facilitator on that point ... [we are not seeking] the abrogation of any agreement," added Lacierda.

 

The Aquino administration is in the final stages of negotiations for a peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which is expected to result in a Bangsamoro Political Entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

 

Some members of the MNLF, where the MILF came from, have expressed dismay over the framework agreement.

 

But Lacierda insists that the framework will benefit all Bangsamoro.

 

"It includes, whether you are MILF or MNLF or lumad, kasama po kayo dito sa makikinabang dito po sa Bangsamoro Framework Agreement," he said.

 

"This is a major improvement over the organic act of the ARMM. And, therefore, what we will come up with the framework agreement, as well as the annexes, will redound ultimately to peace and development in Muslim Mindanao," he added.

 

[Click here for the highlights of the Bangsamoro framework agreement]

 

Asked if former MNLF leader Nur Misuari was now being considered a security threat, Lacierda said that he would still have to ask the National Security Agency.

 

Last week, the Palace dismissed Misuari's claim in a letter to the United Nations (UN) that there is a need to send peacekeepers to Mindanao because of reported influx of soldiers there. — Kimberly Jane Tan/RSJ, GMA News