Bangsamoro Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal: ‘With Political Will, Peace Can Be Attained’

edd1994

3 years ago

**President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos, Jr. (Credit: Business Mirror)**

COTABATO CITY — The Mindanao peace process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) took 17 years to conclude with the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

And in that nearly two decades of protracted peace talks the negotiations that started in January 1997 went through the administrations of five Philippine Presidents.

President Fidel V. Ramos (now deceased) started it, then President Joseph “Erap” Estrada, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President Benigno S. Aquino III (also deceased), and concluded with President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Now the implementation of the CAB will go through under the administration of incumbent President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. who became Chief Executive in 2022. The leaderships of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as well as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), being governed by the MILF is hoping Marcos, Jr. will continue CAB’s implementation started by Duterte.

One of the stalwarts of the GPH-MILF peace process, BARMM Education Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal believed that a strong political will would be able to deliver peace in Mindanao. Iqbal is chair of the MILF Peace Implementing Panel.

On his part, assured on March 26, a day before the 9th anniversary of the CAB, the government will continue the implementation. (EKU)

Here’s the statement of Iqbal, MILF chief negotiation vis-a-vis the CAB’s implementation:

WITH POLITICAL WILL, PEACE CAN BE ATTAINED

**MBHTE Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal. (Photo: SDN — SciTech and Digital News**)

Once upon a time, when we started peace negotiations with the Philippine Government, we had a lot of fears and doubts. But we persevered, carrying only an unwavering belief in the national government’s good faith and sense of justice across the table. We believe peace can be found in talking and acting, not fighting.

After countless rounds of negotiations, we eventually found common ground, which led to the signing of the CAB, which is the cause of the celebration. We, in the MILF, always knew that if there is political will on the part of the Philippine government, peace can be achieved.

Today, We welcome the expression by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos and salute him for his firm resolve and commitment to the full implementation of the peace agreements where according to him, the Bangsamoro can “thrive and flourish” We laud his political will to drive and command the national government and implement agreements and annexes.

In return, we promise the President that we will do everything to fulfill our part of the agreement. We shall direct our people and supporters to cooperate and ensure peace. Political will be reciprocated by political will.

While there are miles to go before peace is achieved in Southern Philippines, in this journey, we offer the President that the MILF shall walk this path with him side by side and with parity of esteem. We offer the strength, dreams, and determination of the Bangsamoro People. (/)