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THE government hopes that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)
would accept the new draft on ancestral domain approved by President
Gloria Arroyo this week noting, however, that any agreement in the
future must be based on the Constitution.
“The draft approved by the President will be
presented to their counterpart includes the aspirations by our
Muslim brothers, as they appear in agreement and it shall be
accomplished after [the] agreement is signed,” Executive Secretary
Eduardo Ermita said.
But Ermita reiterated that the negotiations
cannot continue if it runs contrary to the Constitution. No details
were given about the new draft.
He said he hopes that the MILF leadership would
be enlightened and eventually agree on the provision of the draft on
ancestral domain.
“If they see how sincere the government is,
they could agree and sign an agreement.”
He added that the government’s intention is to
give the Muslims a wider area and a higher degree of security to
ensure a lasting peace in Mindanao.
“They are fighting because they feel they are
oppressed. What the government has done is to advance the
development of Muslim areas to help the well-being of our Muslim
brothers. The government wants to improve their situation,” Ermita
said.
-- Angelo S. Samonte
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