MANILA: President Benigno Aquino III appointed yesterday University of the Philippines (UP) professor Miriam Coronel Ferrer as the new head of the government peace panel in negotiation with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (Milf).
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda stated in a text message that Ferrer, who has been a member of the peace panel since 2010 under the Aquino administration, replaced Marvic Leonen, who was appointed as an associate justice of the Supreme Court.
“Professor Ferrer’s appointment signifies continuity and harmony in the peace talks, which is crucial toward the completion of the comprehensive agreement this December,” said Secretary Teresita Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. She said that Ferrer’s appointment is “well-deserved” given her competence and credentials as a peace negotiator.
The Milf has been fighting government troops for decades to establish a self-rule Muslim state in the south of the predominantly Catholic country.
The government and the Milf formally signed on October 15 the framework agreement, a road map for final political settlement to the conflict in southern Philippines.
The Philippine star
