Manila: The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (Milf) has started training its own Bangsamoro police force in anticipation of the full implementation of the forged framework agreement.
In video footage captured in North Cotabato the other day, groups of unarmed Milf members were seen intently listening to lectures given by their leaders over their future duties and functions once the framework agreement of the Bangsamoro becomes fully operational.
“We don’t see anything wrong here. They (Milf) are simply preparing for the gigantic role they would play once the peace pact is finally forged,” an official said.
Under the signed framework agreement, both parties agreed that the Milf will undertake a graduated programme to decommission its forces.
In return, the government, in a phased and gradual manner will transfer law enforcement from the military to the police for the Bangsamoro in line with the agreed normalisation provision of the framework agreement.
Under the provision, both parties agreed that “it is essential that policing structure and arrangement are such that the police service is professional and free from partisan political control.”
The police system, the provision added, shall be civilian in character “so that it is effective and efficient in law enforcement, fair and impartial as well as accountable under the law for its action, responsible both to the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government, and to the communities its serves.”
Most communities in the conflict-stricken areas in North Cotabato are now in a festive mode as the joint government-Milf information drive on the framework agreement is now on full swing.
The Philippine Star
