MILF cites new intl observers to peace process

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) this weekend welcomed the move of a Belgium-based nongovernment organization to send more people to monitor the Islamist group’s peace process with the government. MILF negotiating panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal assured full cooperation with the Nonviolent Peaceforce Philippines (NPP) that deployed 10 more international staff to Mindanao. “The deployment of the additional international staff of the NPP is a welcome initiative and a significant stride in strengthening its efforts toward conflict transformation, civilian peacekeeping and protection, and adherence to international humanitarian laws," Iqbal said in an article on the MILF website. Nonviolent Peaceforce recently deployed staff from Belgium, Malawi, Canada, Germany, China, Sudan, Uganda, Pakistan, Ghana, and Kenya to monitor the peace process. NPP country director Ateef Hamid said the 10 international and five local staff are currently undergoing a 12-day basic orientation in Cotabato City. “The NPP total staff now, including the additional 10 new international staff, stands at 33 expatriates and 55 local staff in full swing operations in various conflict-affected areas in Mindanao," Hamid said. He added the NPP’s programs are focused on conflict prevention, early warning and response, community-based human rights, and dialogue geared toward civilian protection in conflict areas. “NPP with headquarters in Belgium is committed to… support all local initiatives to further strengthen structures of peace at grassroots and higher levels," Hamid said. — JE/VS, GMANews.TV