US welcomes Philippine Government-MILF peace deal

THE United States government welcomed Sunday the recently announced agreement between the Government of the Philippines and the secessionist group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“We welcome the announcement by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that the two sides finalized a framework peace agreement,” said US Ambassador to Manila Harry Thomas in a one-page statement.

He said the United States has long supported peace and stability in Mindanao and will continue to do so as long as it is necessary.

The US envoy also said their government is hoping that, while the agreement remains in its early stages, it would immediately manifest especially in avoiding violence in Mindanao.

“We fully support the ongoing peace process and hope the parties can continue to avoid violence as they work toward a final resolution that will last for generations and benefit all the people of the Philippines,” said Thomas.

“While much work remains, successful implementation of this agreement would improve security, stability, and development for the people of Mindanao,” he added.

Thomas’ statement came after President Benigno Aquino III announced Sunday afternoon that the GPH and the MILF have agreed to create a new political entity to be called “Bangsamoro.”

It is set to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm), which Aquino described to be as a “failed experiment.”

“This framework agreement paves the way for a final, enduring peace in Mindanao,” said the President. (HDT/Sunnex)