The
positive response of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chair Nur
Misuari to President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s invitation to participate in the
Bangsamoro peace process and the signing of the executive order that will
create a more inclusive Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) on Monday,
November 7, are significant steps closer to a comprehensive and inclusive
resolution of the decades-long armed conflict in Mindanao.
The peace process in Mindanao is on track with
both the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the MNLF on board for a more
inclusive resolution to the conflict. They are now willing to sit at the peace
table and work together with the government to address the historical
injustices committed against the Moro people. This is an unprecedented and
historic development.
Chairman Misuari has declared that only President
Duterte can solve the long-standing problem of peace and order in Mindanao.
This trust in the president’s leadership from the MNLF founder is a key
ingredient in the President’s roadmap that will lead us to peace in Mindanao.
President Duterte’s determination to end the
war once and for all during his term has led him to explore creative ways to
get all the key actors to the peace table.
He has committed to release an unprecedented
number of detained leaders of the National Democratic Front (NDF) so they can
participate in the peace negotiations and declared an indefinite unilateral
ceasefire.
In the same manner, the President has caused
the suspension of hearings and enforcement of warrants of arrest against
Chairman Misuari so he can also participate in the Bangsamoro peace process.
The temporary releases of the NDF leaders and
of the MNLF chairman is in pursuit of a larger vision of peace. As justice is a
key element of peacebuilding, justice and healing will be an integral part of
the peace process. The concern for justice related to the Zamboanga incidents
in 2013 as well as other incidents identified by the Transitional Justice and
Reconciliation Commission will be dealt with in a comprehensive program.
As the major actors and stakeholders are now
involved in pursuing peace in Mindanao, the opportunity is greater for dialogue
and meaningful conversations that can lead to inclusive peace.
Public participation will be an integral part
of the process through the formation of various Peace Tables in the different
sectors and communities following President Duterte’s desire for inclusiveness,
transparency, and convergence. The bigger peace table of the people will enable
every Filipino to contribute not only to make peace happen, but more
importantly, to make peace last. (OPAPP)
