The year is starting well for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the government. Here in Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur and other parts of Maguindanao, the MILF has started to police its own ranks. It is now after persons involved in illegal activities like gambling, robbery and holdups in these areas.
Mayor Naida Bansil of Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur, is coordinating with the MILF leaders and soldiers in the area about the ongoing project. The undertaking started after MILF leaders issued a directive to its members immediately after the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro last Oct. 15. This is another positive development, and the MILF is showing how sincere it is in working for the success of the agreement.
As we see it, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is also fully supporting the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, and all other agreements that will follow its monumental signing. The people know and are very sure their Armed Forces is likewise working double time to speed the process of achieving peace with the MILF.
Both the MILF and the government see the urgency of peace in Mindanao. The efforts of the MILF are paying off, thus it is gaining popular support among all sectors.
—MANITA JAMAL,
manita.jamal@yahoo.com