MORO Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim visited on Monday, November 19, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Murad was welcomed by a military band and AFP officials, including AFP Chief of Staff Carlito Galvez Jr., who handed him a white rose.

AFP spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo said the white rose symbolizes peace.

“The carrying of the flower instead of arms depicts the cessation of hostilities between former bitter adversaries who now have become partners for peace and development for the people of Mindanao and ultimately the rest of the nation,” he said.

He said Murad’s visit also symbolizes the end of decades of hostilities between the military and the MILF and "speaks well of the degree of confidence, the level of sincerity, and the extent of trust that both the AFP and the MILF repose unto each other."

A plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law has been set for January 21, 2019 as part of the peace agreement between the Philippine government and the MILF which aims to bring peace in the said region. (SunStar Philippines)