Peace talks with Moro advance ‘a few feet,’ says negotiator

MANILA, Philippines—The peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has moved “at least a few feet,” the head of the government negotiating panel said after the 25th session of formal talks in Kuala Lumpur with the Moro rebels.

Marvic Leonen, chair of the government panel, expressed optimism that an agreement with the MILF could be signed within the year.

“The peace process with the MILF has moved forward,” Leonen said in a statement released in Malacañang by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process following Wednesday’s talks in Malaysia.

“Now, we have moved at least a few feet. The day will come, I hope very, very soon, that we will be able to sign a peace agreement,” he added.

Both the government and MILF panels found the most recent talks “difficult,” the statement said.

It quoted MILF peace panel chair Mohager Iqbal as saying that the talks “have been very emotional because it affects the collective future of our people.”

Leonen said the challenges were not impossible.

The next round of talks is scheduled in March.