Mindanao people want peace ‘sooner than later’

MORO groups on the southern island of Mindanao have urged the government to ensure a negotiated peace settlement with rebels and to create a Bangsamoro (Moro nation) sub-state.

Their call came during a “send-off” procession for Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace negotiators, ahead of the reopening of peace talks in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur.

“No to endless negotiations,” read banners and placards held up by spectators along the procession’s route.

Up to 10,000 people took part in the 500-vehicle procession, which started in Cotabato City and passed through the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato.

Participants also called on the government and the MILF to immediately sign a comprehensive agreement for peace in Mindanao.

Bobby Benito, executive director of the Bangsamoro Council for Just Peace, said the people’s participation in the procession was “a manifestation of our agreement with the legitimate demands that the MILF has forwarded to the government.”

Report from ucanews.com