Philippines signs pact with Islamists

News > Asia

Philippines signs pact with Islamists

Published: 7 Oct 2012 at 23.05
Online news: Asia

MANILA : Philippine President Benigno Aquino said his government reached a preliminary agreement with Muslim rebels to end a decades-long insurgency that has killed at least 100,000 people and stunted growth in the mineral-rich south.

Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim, self-styled chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, poses with MILF combatants for a photo taken in August of last year in a rebel-held area of Mindanao. (AFP Photo)

A new political group called "Bangsamoro" will take the place of the autonomous region in Mindanao, Mr Aquino said in Manila Sunday. The designation "Bangsamoro" - loosely translated as Area of the Moro, or native southerners - has been used by the MILF for years to describe their "liberated area" during the southern war.

Talks between Philippine officials and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front concluded in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, and Mr Aquino and Malaysian leader Najib Razak will witness the signing of the accord in Manila next Monday.

"This framework agreement paves the way for a final, enduring peace in Mindanao," Mr Aquino said, flanked by his cabinet. "This means that hands that once held rifles will be put to use tilling land, selling produce, manning work stations, and opening doorways of opportunity for other citizens."

This article is older than 60 days, which we reserve for our premium members only.You can subscribe to our premium member subscription, here.

Forum

Your comments

DONHUAN
Post : 340
Send message

Discussion 6 : 08 Oct 2012 at 20.176
Post this to my Facebook
The Philippines southern islands closely mirrored that of Thailand’s southern provinces with the Muslim. It requires strong political resolve and determination by all parties to the conflict to seek an amicable solution. The PT now has a near majority in parliament; so they have a very good opportunity to resolve this issue so that the country as a whole can move forward. The issue of sovereignty was never in dispute; just how much autonomy will be allowed and accepted by all parties to the dispute. Sooner or later, this dispute will be settled along this line, so why not take the initiatives and settle this dispute favorable to the central government rather then allow events to force the issue.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
spiceman
Post : 3,482
Send message

Discussion 5 : 08 Oct 2012 at 12.365
Post this to my Facebook
Khun Hillfarang #1, the Deep South had practically been governed as an autonomous region beyond the reach of politicians, prior to the arrival of then PM TS. PM TS decided to replace the existing time-proven Deep Southern policy with his new radical one, resulting in Tak-Bai and Krue-Se Massacres, and things kind of going to hell from then on. Since then, nobody, including PM TS himself then, and PM YS now, knows how to put the region back to what it was before.
Like dislike 4 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
victor Careford

Discussion 4 : 08 Oct 2012 at 11.474
This 'peace' has come about because of man's greed, not for the betterment of the Philippines. We just have to wait for the splinter group who don't get their snouts in the trough and it will all kick off again. These so called Religious wars will never end, they just lie low for a while, waiting, festering.
from iPhone application.
Like dislike 7 people liked / 3 people disliked this comment
bluebottle
Post : 1,467
Send message

Discussion 3 : 08 Oct 2012 at 11.233
Post this to my Facebook
It is the only answer has Thailand got a better way to solve the southern unrest and if so please tell us?
Like dislike 4 people liked / 1 people disliked this comment
khunbill
Post : 435
Send message

Discussion 2 : 08 Oct 2012 at 10.422
Post this to my Facebook
I hope something good come out of this, but I dont trust the muslim militants , they will continue to want more. AND will see if the killing stops.
Like dislike 9 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
hillfarang
Post : 1,308
Send message

Discussion 1 : 08 Oct 2012 at 10.131
Post this to my Facebook
Could this become an example & model for Thailand's restive South? Let's follow the results closely and learn from other country's successes & methods. I know that in other areas (education) this is often very difficult for Thais... ? Why ? Nationalism, culture, anti-foreign bias...?
Like dislike 7 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment

Philippines signs pact with Islamists | Bangkok Post: news