MNLF, MILF asked not to wage war

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte urged the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front not to declare war against the government in the event that the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law does not hurdle Congress.

Duterte said nobody wins if violence erupts between state forces and members of the MILF and the MNLF.

“To my brothers in MI, MN, let us continue talking because both of these entities are for peace. As to how wide the concession we will give is something which has to be discussed,” the president said during the birthday celebration of Sen. Manny Pacquiao in General Santos City last Sunday.

“But if it does not hurdle Congress, do not draw your guns right away. We still can talk and maybe explore other areas. But I assure you that during my term, it will be addressed,” he added.

The proposed BBL seeks to create a new Bangsamoro political entity with enhanced autonomy. Supporters of the measure believe it will put an end to the Bangsamoros’ struggle to govern themselves and bring lasting peace to troubled Mindanao.

The measure was bypassed during the previous administration partly because of the outrage over the Mamasapano clash, which claimed the lives of 44 police commandos and 17 MILF fighters in 2015.

Duterte has warned that failure to address the concerns of Bangsamoros could lead to more clashes and the fragmentation of the Philippines.

Congress took a holiday break last week without passing the measure.

“Every government has the right to preserve its people and also to preserve only one Republic of the Philippines,” Duterte said.

“If a war erupts, we will all suffer, Moro and Christian and Lumad alike. Nobody wins, believe me. Despite the gun fires, nothing will happen. It will forever be an island of turmoil,” he added.

Duterte said a conflict would open the floodgates of the south to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, an extremist group that seeks to establish a worldwide caliphate.

He said he would not allow such scenario to happen so he is ready to talk to the MNLF and MILF and give them concessions.