MILF maintains ‘non-recognition, non-participation’ policy in ARMM polls

MANILA, Philippines - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Thursday maintained its stance not to recognize nor participate in the upcoming Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) elections this August. In an article posted on the MILF website, MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim said the secessionist rebel group continues to maintain its policy for the “non-recognition and non-participation in any election undertaken under the Philippine government and Constitution." Murad issued the statement last May 27 but made it public only Thursday. "Murad said the ARMM did not and cannot cater cater to the basic needs of the Bangsamoro people and instead has worsened their already depressed condition and added confusion to the populace," the article said. It added the MILF statement jibes with the beginning of the election period in the ARMM, which the MILF denounced as an antidote to the genuine resolution to the centuries-old Bangsamoro Problem. "On several occasions, the government has dangled the ARMM to leaders of the MILF but each time it was offered, it was turned down immediately," the MILF statement said. Murad was reported to have rebuffed a very high Philippine government official, who offered him the ARMM few years ago, saying: "What happened to our brothers in the Moro National Liberation Front when they accepted ARMM will also happen to us." He did not elaborate. The MILF added its vice chairman Abdulazis Mimbantas was also offered the same post by a member of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's Cabinet, but he similarly turned down the offer. "This Cabinet member, who was not named, was reported to have converted to Islam as a means to win the trust and sympathy of the Muslims," the article stated. The Commission on Elections said it has began accepting certificates of candidacy for the positions Governor, Vice Governor and assemblymen for the ARMM polls on August 11. Filing COCs will run until June 4. The ARMM elections is expected to be under close public scrutiny, being seen as a prelude to the automation of the 2010 national and local elections. - GMANews.TV