-Historic agreement between Philippine government and MILF
MANILA (AA) - October 15, 2012 - President of Philippines Benigno Aquino III has stated that they are hopeful for the future after signing the peace pact with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Monday.
Moreover, MILF leader AL Haj Murad Ebrahim stated that the agreement is a turning point for the Bangsamoro Muslims in the scope of gaining back their identity and history.
The Philippine government and the MILF on Monday signed a historic peace pact to end nearly four decades of their conflict that claimed tens of thousands of lives.
The preliminary framework deal -- reached after 15 years of negotiations brokered by Malaysia -- constitutes a roadmap to a final settlement which would allow for an autonomous region administered by minority Muslims in the south of this predominantly Catholic country.
AA followed the signing ceremony of the agreement in Manila's Malacanang Presidential Palace. The agreement was made with the participation of President Benigno Aquino III and MILF leader AL Haj Murad Ebrahim. Also present at the ceremony were Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and secretary general of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu.
Aquino has said, "I felt these pains deeply. I lost my dad because of a totalitarian management. I missed the justice because of dictatorialness. That is why I understand Bangsamoro Muslims well. This agreement is not only an historical turning point, also a chance given to every Philippine child to make their own decisions. This makes me to be hopeful for the future."
Furthermore, Liberation Front leader AL Haj Murad Ebrahim said, "I believe that this agreement will end the negativeness between Philippine government and Bangsamoro Muslims."
Nearly 120 thousand have been killed and two million people have been forced to leave their homes in the 40-year-old conflict.
