World · Philippines Bureau
MILF commanders in Maguindanao del Sur agree to resolve disputes peacefully
Two rival factions of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have reached an accord to settle differences without resorting to violence, marking a second reconciliation between the groups.
LSN Philippines ·
SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao del Sur — Commanders of warring MILF units have signed an agreement to pursue peaceful resolution of their ongoing disputes, authorities said Monday.
Abu Salwa, head of the MILF's 105th Base Command, and Samad Simpal of the 118th Base Command, inked the accord in Shariff Aguak, renewing their commitment to non-violent conflict resolution. The agreement represents the second formal reconciliation between the two factions within the separatist organization.
Under the terms of the accord, both commanders pledged to refrain from armed confrontation and to utilize dialogue mechanisms to address grievances. Local officials expressed optimism that the pact would help stabilize the volatile region and prevent further bloodshed among MILF ranks.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front has long sought greater autonomy for Muslim-majority areas in Mindanao through both armed struggle and negotiation. Internal factional disputes have periodically threatened the organization's unity and ceasefire commitments with government forces.