MILF names tribal leader as peace panel consultant

Another member of the indigenous peoples (IP) group has been appointed as a consultant in the the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)'s peace negotiation panel. The MILF said Timuay Melanio Ulama is the second IP member to be "directly involved in shaping the destiny of the (Bangsamoro)," through the peace process. In an article posted on its website, the MILF said Melanio chairs the Organization of T'duray-Lambangian Conference (OTLAC), and is co-chairman of the Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC). It added Melanio, who hails from North Upi in Maguindanao, is regarded as one of the most respected leaders of the T’duray and Lambangian tribes. Another IP member in the MILF peace panel is Datu Antonio Kinoc, a member of the B’laan tribe. He is an alternate member in the peace panel, the MILF said. Other IPs who served the negotiation in various capacities in the past were Datu Ignacio Ikling, a Dulangan Manobo, and Engr. Roger Adamat, a T’duray but later converted to Islam. Adamat died a few years ago near Tacurong City, the MILF said. Meanwhile, other members of the MILF Board of Consultants, which included two women, are already shortlisted. "Two have already accepted, but the announcement will be made at the proper time," the MILF said. It said the task of the Board of Consultants is not merely to provide views, ideas or studies but generally to take part actively in the discussion of issues and concerns central to the substantive part of the talks. "Collectively, they help the MILF in general and its peace panel in particular in generating the best ideas, methods or approaches in the conduct of the talks; and still more specifically, to see to it that the common aspirations of the peoples (Moros and IPs) in Mindanao are pursued, protected, and promoted," it added. — LBG, GMA News