Says fighting may affect tripartite talks
Edd K. Usman
Apprehensive that the new fighting in Sulu may affect the review of the 1996 final peace agreement (FPA), the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) through its Secretary General Muslimin G. Sema yesterday called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to exercise caution in its offensive against MNLF Commander Habier Malik, who is believed to be leading about 1,000 Moro fighters.
The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the MNLF signed a final peace agreement (FPA) on Sept. 2, 1996, brokered by the 57-member Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), and is presently under review.
The AFP is now pursuing the MNLF forces.
Sema said bloodshed between Filipinos, particularly the AFP and the MNLF must be avoided.
"We need maximum restraint in addressing the Sulu situation. Both the MNLF and the government have shown enough sincerity in trying to address the misunderstandings on the implementation of the GRP-MNLF peace agreement," said Sema, mayor of Cotabato City.
"There is an international effort to resolve all of the security, socio-economic and political concerns besetting the areas covered by the GRP-MNLF peace agreement. These unfortunate developments in Sulu are not good for this three-way initiative by the MNLF, the OIC, and Malacañang," the MNLF leader said.
Sema was referring to the OIC-led review of the FPA among the panIslamic body, GRP, and MNLF that started in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Nov. 10-12.
Peace Process Undersecretary Nabil Tan said Malik has warrants of arrest against him, adding he was not sure how the fighting started.
"I hope the fighting will calm down and will not affect the holding of the tripartite talks," said Tan.
OIC, GRP, and MNLF representatives have agreed the next session of the three-party talks will be on Jan. 14, 2008.
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Datu Zaldy Ampatuan said he asked local officials in Sulu to try to defuse the tension in Kalinggalang-Caluang.
"It’s the safety and welfare of civilians, the non-combatants, in the area that we are so worried about," Ampatuan, who chairs the regional peace and order council (RPOC), said, adding he directed the ARMM’s social welfare department to immediately deploy relief workers to help evacuees.
Elements of the Marines and MNLF forces said to be led by Malik clashed on Friday in the Sulu town of Kalinggalang-Caluang, resulting in the death of more than 10 Moro rebels and five soldiers.
The MNLF, said Sema, is ready to sit down with the AFP to find a way to solve the security problems where Malik and his men are scattered.
Malik’s camp at Mt. Pukan bordering Barangays Pangdan-Pangdan and Kambing in Kalinggalang-Caluang has been taken over by the military.
"The use of guns in resolving security concerns is already obsolete. Dialogues are the best way to solve peace and order problems," said Basilan Assemblyman Hatimil Hassan, MNLF interim vice chairman.
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