Murad: Despite internal 'rift,' MILF still committed to peace talks

While he admitted there is an internal problem with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Central Committee Chairman Al Haj Murad assured the government over the weekend that the MILF is still committed to a peaceful negotiated political settlement of the Bangsamoro issue. Murad made the statement at the culmination of the series of consultations with the Bangsamoro people in preparation for the resumption of the peace talks with the government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) this month. “Since we started peace negotiations in 1997, our position remains the same – a peaceful negotiated political settlement of the questions that would give due recognition to the right of the Bangsamoro people to self determination," Murad said. Last Sunday, the GRP panel expressed concern over the internal issues hounding the MILF regarding the reported resignation of Umbra Kato, commander of the Front’s 105th Base. Chief government negotiator Marvic Leonen said the GRP panel will expect a clarification during the formal talks with the MILF panel on Feb. 9 and 10. To recall, Kato led attacks in Mindanao after the Supreme Court junked a memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain that the government and the MILF were supposed to sign in 2008. In an interview with GMA News Online, Murad admitted that the MILF is having an internal problem involving Kato, who accused the new MILF leadership of abandoning the Front’s original stance of securing independence for the Bangsamoro people. But Murad said the MILF maintains an open line of communication with Kato, adding that the commander voluntarily resigned due to old age. He clarified that the MILF did not strip Kato of his responsibilities as commander. “I believe this problem can still be resolved soon," Murad said. However, Murad told reporters that Kato is forming a new military group which he called Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Murad optimism But Murad expressed optimism that a proper political formula would come out from the negotiating table if the new Philippine leadership would show sincerity. According to him, the MILF is consistent with its policy of exhausting all peaceful means in resolving the Bangsamoro question. “Hopefully, things will turn out right if the Philippine leadership this time is truly sincere," he said. If the Aquiono leadership “refrains from usual dilatory tactic and military aggression resorted to by previous Philippine administrations, and has the political will to address and resolve the Bangsamoro question, I am optimistic that in a short time we can come out with proper political formula for the beginning of a just peace in the Bangsamoro Homeland in our time and generation," Murad said. — Mariz Revales/LBG, GMA News