Statement on the Aquino-Murad Meeting in Japan

By Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy
August 7, 2011

We welcome the historic meeting between President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and Moro Islamic Liberation Front Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim in Tokyo.

This unprecedented move, assisted by the Japanese Government, brings us leagues closer to a just peace.

GPH Chief Negotiator Marvic Leonen has stated that the meeting was at the behest of the President himself, “who sought the meeting prior to the government’s submission of its own agenda for the talks.”

We note, with optimism, Dean Leonen’s observation that the MILF chair thrice said, "We are confident with your administration. You are unlike the previous administration. You are sincere."

We commend President Aquino for taking this bold step, which has elevated the trust and confidence of both panels that a just peace is within reach.

Even more important, President Aquino and MILF Chair Murad have strengthened the trust and confidence of the citizens of conflict-affected Mindanao that a just peace will come soon.

The next steps are more crucial:

1. Appointments of competent men and women to administer the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.  A period of two years is too long for incompetent administrators and will set back the Aquino Administration’s reform program for ARMM.

2.  Ensure the meaningful participation of all stakeholders in the peace and reform processes. Pres. Aquino promised during his inauguration address and first SONA that he will avoid the mistakes of previous regimes. This can be done by sustained engagements with civil society organizations thereby ensuring legitimacy to the process.

3. Move beyond the rhetoric of autonomy and ensure fiscal autonomy to complement the promise of self-government.

4. Consolidate this positive, confidence building development by ensuring that no more delays attend the presentation of its counter-proposals thereby reflecting its sincerity in having the peace process move forward.