Anti-Moro vigilante group exists, says senior MILF official

ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, Philippines - In what could be another roadblock to the expected signing of the final peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a self-styled vigilante anti-Moro group is now being organized with the support from some politicians in Mindanao. Salman Jawarie, the spokesperson of the 103 Base Command of the MILF, confirmed in a text message (short messaging service) the existence of the so-called Christian Liberation Army (CLA). Jawarie said the CLA is operating in Central Mindanao as an attempt to derail the peace process, adding that the group might expand their activities to other areas in Mindanao covered by the proposed Bangsamoro homeland. “Expected na man nato na (We have already expected that)," Jawarie said, referring to the CLA. The group, according to Jawarie, has been organized with the support of three House of Representatives’ members from Mindanao primarily to oppose the establishment of the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE). He did not name the three Mindanao representatives. BJE is the areas in Mindanao proposed by MILF as their “homeland". The MILF defines the Bangsamoro homeland as “all lands and areas, including the environment and natural resources therein of the Bangsamoro people, established through occupation, possession and dominion since time immemorial, by cultural bond, customary law, historic rights and legal titles." The government wants the creation of the entity subject to what is referred to as “constitutional" processes, meaning any peace agreement must be subject to a referendum. The MILF refused to be constrained by this requirement, which it says would be a “conditional" situation. When asked on the existence of the CLA, Brig. Gen. Jovencio V. Magalso, the commanding general of the 102 Infantry Brigade, said: “Sounds familiar." Magalso contended that if this group really exists now, it is because the peace talks failed to include all sectors in the negotiations. “That’s why, there is a need to have wider consultations before signing the final peace agreement with the MILF," Magalso said. - GMANews.TV