No timetable on Disarmament MILF

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) disarmament have been set aside during negotiations for the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement. MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal told reporters. he has yet to discuss the terms of the so-called phased decom-missioning of the armed component

Mohagher Iqbal the MILF chief negotiator told reporters that they have not yet discussed the terms of decommissioning of armed components of the rebel group.

Iqbal said some commanders have expressed concerns over the issue of decommissioning saying that he will have to communicate with the ground forces on the provisions of the agreement.

The signing of the framework agreement was witnessed by President Aquino, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and MILF chairman Al Haj Murad yesterday in Malacanang Palace Manila, Philippines.

Under the agreement, the 12,000-member MILF will disarm in stages, while the local police force gradually assumes law enforcement functions from the military. However no timetable has been listed for disarming.

Included in the framework agreement, the 12,000-member MILF will need to decommission their arm group in stages and the local police force will gradually assumes law enforcement functions from the military in the Bangsamoro areas.

President Aquino said the government is ready to pour in some P8.5 billion for the implementation of the Transition Investment Support Plan in Mindanao on top of the P12.93 billion already allocated by the administration through the national budget.