MILF drops claim for independent state in Mindanao

President Benigno Aquino III (PNoy) on Thursday had a meeting with MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ibrahim in Tokyo, Japan, which, according to government chief negotiator Marvic Leonen, was “aimed at showing sincerity and fast-tracking the ongoing peace talks with the group.”

During a press briefing in Malacanang on Friday, Leonen said the informal but “cordial” meeting between PNoy and Murad provided “an opportunity for a candid exchange of views about the frames of the continuing peace talk and possible approaches for both sides to take to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao.”

Leonen said “the sincerity, the confidence that the President is not here to use the peace agreement for any other agenda” was acknowledged by the MILF leadership, adding that based on current negotiations, it has “abandoned” seeking independence.

The group has reportedly dropped the “separatist” tag and, according to Leonen, has been asking to be recognized as “Bangsamoro” as its national identity.

The MILF has been fighting the Philippine government for many years to establish a self-rule Muslim state in Mindanao, which slowed down progress and development in the poor but resource-rich region.

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Article Source: http://www.coolbuster.net/2011/08/milf-drops-bid-for-independent-state-in.html
Photo: Malacañang Photo Bureau