UK Secretary of State calls on other Moro rebels to back peace deal

United Kingdom’s Secretary of State William Hague. Photo from gov.uk

MANILA, Philippines – The United Kingdom’s Secretary of State William Hague urged remaining rebel groups in Mindanao to “rally behind the [Bangsamoro peace] agreement” to finally bring peace to the region.

“I think the best thing now is for everyone to rally behind the agreement that has been made, for all groups in that region,” Hague said in a joint press conference with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario after their bilateral talks.

“That is the quickest way to bring to an end to any fighting that remains,” he said.

Hague congratulated the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for the recent singing of the fourth annex of the Bangsamoro Peace Framework Agreement.

However, fighting continues in the war-weary region as the breakaway group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) continue fighting for an independent Islamic state.

Fresh clashes erupted in Mindanao after the signing of the agreement leaving 38 dead as the military assaulted the BIFF forces in Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces.

“The Philippine Government has done tremendous work with other people in bringing about the agreement. This is the way forward,” Hague said.

“It’s now important for everyone and all groups to support the peace agreement that has been negotiated,” he urged.

Previously, a breakaway group from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) attacked Zamboanga City and fought the military for several days. Thousands of people were displaced due to the fighting and hundreds of homes were destroyed.

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