MANILA: The peace panels of the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (Milf) are likely to extend their 41st exploratory talks to thoroughly tackle power-sharing, one of the four annexes that will form part of the comprehensive agreement that both sides intend to sign this year.
In a text message yesterday, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process,Teresita Deles said the government and Milf peace panels are working hard to finish their deliberation and approve the annex on power-sharing.
“The government and Milf peace panels are still working hard at it. Talks until Saturday with possible extension to Sunday,” Deles said in a text message. The government and Milf panels on Tuesday started exploratory talks in Malaysia where both sides would try to reach a consensus on power-sharing and normalisation, the last two annexes to be added to the 2012 Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro.
Both panels earlier approved the annexes on transitional arrangements and revenue generation and wealth sharing.
The completed Framework Agreement shall be the basis for an enabling law, to be passed by Congress, to legitimise the replacement of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with an Milf-led Bangsamoro political entity.
Government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer is optimistic that the government panel can craft a final peace deal with the Milf, which will be acceptable to Moro communities and bring peace to troubled Mindanao.
In a statement emailed from Malaysia, Ferrer said she was certain of an accord with the Milf that would empower the Moro communities and benefit all sectors regardless of tribes, religions and cultural identities.
Ferrer also said the government panel had spent considerable time crafting the four annexes to the Framework Agreement to ensure that the framework would bring lasting peace in the south and be supported by all sectors.
The Philippine star
