Malacañang not giving up on peace process despite eroding of MILF trust

Malacañang is not giving up on the peace process in Mindanao, even if the trust of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in government has reportedly eroded after the Mamasapano incident, Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said yesterday.

The goverment will continue to work with the MILF and push for the passage of an “acceptable” Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in Congress, he said, “Government remains firmly committed to establishing enduring peace… on a foundation of mutual trust.”

“What we know is that both sides continue to work on confidence-building measures and on seeing to it that an acceptable Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) may be enacted by Congress

within the time frame set by the leadership of both houses,” he added.

MILF Chairman Al Haj Ebrahim Murad had earlier said that the January 25 Mamasapano incident has affected the MILF’s trust in government.

Murad, in an interview with Reuters, said the MILF’s investigation showed the clash between the MILF fighters and police commandos was “not a mistaken encounter.” The government troops attacked the MILF area, he said.

“The President’s political capital is dwindling and there’s a possibility the (Bangsamoro law) will not be passed on time,” Murad said. “The next president – whoever is elected next year – is bound to implement the peace agreement.”

Coloma said President Aquino has taken a firm stand on the peace process and recently expressed hope that Congress would approve the BBL before June. Aquino said he expects the lawmakers to reach a “compromise” on the measure “in due time.”

“I’m hoping ‘ yung Congress approves the Bangsamoro Basic Law way before June to give the (Bangsamoro) Transition Authority, papalit ng gobyerno, enough time naman to demonstrate the merit of their belief that this is a better mode of governance than what is existing,” Aquino said at a prayer assembly in Malacañang last week.