DDHK News, Philippines - The Philippine government and the Moro Muslim freedom fighters group officially made peace. The two parties agreed to end the conflict between the two parties by signing a peace framework pact.
Both the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine Government are aware of the hopes and challenges of this peace agreement. This framework also sets the path for reaching a complete peace agreement which is planned to be completed in 2016.
The finalization of the peace agreement will later give full autonomy to Muslim communities in the southern region of the Philippines, which have been a minority. Meanwhile, the signing of this pact marks the end of the MILF's resistance to freedom from the Philippines which has lasted more than 40 years, which has killed tens of thousands of people and crippled regional government in the south.
This agreement was signed at the Philippine Presidential Palace, Malacanang. The Philippine government was represented by Marvic Leonen, while the MILF was represented by Mohagher Iqbal. This historic event was attended by President Benigno Aquino and MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, as well as Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, where Malasyia has been the moderator of the peace process.
"This agreement will guarantee protests against the rights of Bangsamoro (a replacement for the MILF) and safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines," said PM Najib Razak, as quoted. Associated Press, Monday (15/10/2012). "After four decades, peace can finally be achieved," he explained.
This peace pact document presents general agreements on several major issues. The things mentioned included the distribution of power, as well as the expansion of the area and income for the Muslim autonomous region which would later also be called Bangsamoro.
In addition, it was also stated that the formation of a Transitional Commission totaling 15 members. The commission was tasked with compiling a proposal for a draft sharia law in the Bangsamoro region. The commission will also arrange for the reduction of the 11 MILF soldiers' powers without specifying the time frame for this.
“There are still many things that need to be done and only the devil is an obstacle. But this government is committed to provinces in the south, "said President Benigno Aquino.
MILF Chairman Murad Ebrahim believes that this peace agreement is the fruit of negotiations that have been going on for the last 16 years. According to him, this agreement is an important document in the history of the Moro people - the name for Muslims in the southern Philippines. (AP / OKZ). *
