Sunday, November 12, 2006 Moro rebel group welcomes $30-M aid offer By Ben O. Tesiorna
THE Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) welcomed the offer of the US government to extend $30 million in aid to its combatants after it signs a peace deal with the Philippine government.
But some expressed apprehension on the US government's offer, saying it might be construed as a pay off for signing the peace deal.
In the MILF's official website, www.luwaran.com, Muhammad Ameen, chairperson of the MILF Secretariat, described the offer as a "sign of the growing concern of the US government for the parties to the negotiation to be serious and sign a peace deal soon."
Ameen explained though that signing a peace deal with the government is just one step in addressing the problem in Mindanao.
He said their main concern is the implementation of the agreement.
One MILF official, who requested anonymity, said they "cannot sign any peace agreement with the government for the temptation of securing the offer" because their "struggle is not for sale."
Ameen said it is the political aspect of the peace deal that must take precedence over any other components especially economic because "to concentrate on the economic needs of our combatants especially if taken directly without the main agreement being implemented will work against the MILF."
He appealed to the US government to "make some re-adjustments to their approach so their aid will really help the MILF in its quest for the genuine empowerment of the Moro people."
US Ambassador Kristie Kenney earlier said the US is "absolutely ready to step in again with a strong economic assistance if there is an accord."
"We really want to help the ex-combatants of the MILF, so we are hoping the peace deal is signed," Kenney said.
The US government first offered the $30 million to the MILF three years ago, but it diverted the money to other projects after the group's signing of a peace accord with the government was delayed.
