"We are appealing to the various factions of the MNLF to iron out their differences and unite into one group," said Secretary Teresita Q. Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).
Deles was referring to the MNLF executive council, Alvarez Isnaji faction, the Islamic Command Council (ICC) of Habib Hashim, the Nur Misuari Group and the ICC of Diego Mapandi.
Deles said the breakup of the MNLF into various factions is a problem of government officials involved in the peace process.
Earlier, officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and commanders of the MNLF and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in this former Abu Sayyaf stronghold have reiterated their commitment to maintain peace in Mindanao.
This came about as a result of last Saturday’s dialogue convened by OPAPP.
The tripartite discussion was aimed at addressing the concerns of the stakeholders on this island province.
OPAPP head Deles, who traveled by land on a combination of cemented roads and long stretches of back-breaking dirt roads from Isabela City, presided over the dialogue.
The key participants in the dialogue were Col. Raymundo Ferrer, commander of the Army’s 103rd Brigade; Col. Darwin Guerra, commander of the 32nd Infantry Battalion of the Army’s 2nd Division based in Lamitan; MNLF commanders Jann Jakilan, Usong Ubong and Usman Agkang; MILF Commander Bonnie Salih; Mayor Madz Maturan; and civil society advocate Elisa del Poerto.
Deles, together with OPAPP Assistant Secretary Dimasangkay Pundato, assured the MNLF of the government’s commitment to the enforcement of the landmark 1996 peace accord.
"The government will complete the implementation of the peace agreement with the MNLF. President Arroyo has given her assurance that her administration will complete the implementation before the accord’s 10th anniversary on Sept. 2, 1966," the OPAPP chief said.
"With the MILF, the peace process is going well. Substantive talks (not yet formal negotiation) will resume on April 16 in Malaysia. What is most important in the peace process is the participation of all the parties involved," she said.
Deles also said that a negotiation, if left only to the two contending parties to settle between themselves, will not see any success. She added she is hoping that the people will have confidence in the government to help the process.
She congratulated the military, the MNLF and the MILF for the comparative reigning on in the island.
"Basilan is really moving towards development. Tipo-Tipo was once a dangerous place to visit. Today, even Secretary Deles is here," Jakilan said, adding that "for the MNLF, the war is already part of history. There is no more reason to fight. I ask everybody to work seriously for peace."
Jakilan lauded the efforts of Colonel Ferrer, thanking him for the military’s efforts to adhere to the peace agreement.
Colonel Guerra said he is proud of the former MNLF combatants (integrees) now under his command, citing the examples of ex-rebels who turned into a new leaf and earned for themselves the respect and admiration of their comrades.
"Ex-MNLF combatants now with the 463 troops in my command, half of them former MNLF men like Lt. Aldizon Jumlaid, are outstanding and effective officers and men. Jumlaid now heads the Bravo Company. We have no doubt about their dedication and loyalty," Colonel Guerra said.
