Global support to speed up drafting of final peace pact — Palace

President Benigno Aquino III gives a miniature figurine to Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MIIL) Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim before the historic signing of the framework agreement between the Philippine government and the MILF at the Malacanang Presidential Palace last Oct. 15. AP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang said on Sunday that the broad, international support for the framework agreement between the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front should speed up the completion of a final peace pact.

“This is really, truly a big step to ending the decades of conflict down south. We are not the only ones who acknowledge this but also many international observers who note that the framework agreement as one of the true beginnings of peace,” said Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte in an interview with Radyo ng Bayan.

Valte said she was not surprised that the proposed creation of a Bangsamoro autonomous region in Mindanao was the top agenda during the United Nations Security Council meeting  in its New York headquarters last October 17. “This is perhaps the continuation of the recognition that the framework agreement is getting nod, not just here locally but also from the international stage. From day one, we have known that this will be a big step,” said Valte.

The signing of the landmark agreement in Malacañang was witnessed by President Aquino, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) secretary general Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu. The pact has since been praised by the United States, Australia and France.

Valte said that even critics of the framework were welcomed by Malacañang, specifically Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chief Nur Misuari. “The peace panel—at least the government peace panel—has always been open to hearing the thoughts of Mr. Misuari and his particular statement on this matter,” said Valte.