MNLF leader backs blueprint of peace in Mindanao

MANILA -- A leader of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) disagreed with the position of MNLF chairman Nur Misuari that the draft framework agreement will not serve as blueprint for permanent peace in Mindanao.

Hadja Bainon Karon, who is currently chair of the Bangsamoro Women's Committee of the MNLF, said she was "overwhelmed" and "happy that at long last, peace, security and development will reign."

"I believe that this feeling is also shared by most of the members of the Moro National Liberation Front which this representation is affiliated," said Karon, who is also the vice governor in-charge of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm).

Misuari earlier said the framework failed to consult his group, a statement denied by government negotiators.

Karon said the Armm was endowed with vast natural and human resources that remain untapped owing to the armed conflict.

"We have enough workers to do both manual and skilled labor. All what we need are technical and financial support to explore these resources. Our resources must be explored to generate employment for our people. It must be tapped to generate economic activities and open livelihood opportunities for our people," she said.

After the signing of the framework agreement on Monday, an Executive Order will be issued by President Benigno Aquino III to constitute a 15-member Transition Commission (TC).

The TC will draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which will be certified as urgent bill by the President and passed by Congress. It will then go through a plebiscite and ratified by people in the proposed Bangsamoro areas. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)