FVR: Gov’t should not ignore OIC in MILF peace process

MANILA, Philippines - Former President Fidel Ramos yesterday expressed his concerned that the government is ignoring the 57-member Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in the peace process in Mindanao.

Ramos urged the government to include the  OIC in the Bangsamoro peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Ramos forged the 1996 peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) under the OIC’s auspices.

He said he is also worried over the government’s decision to leave to the MNLF the representation of Filipino Muslims in “observer” status in the OIC.

“But they (OIC) were left out in this administration,” he said. “It’s very clear the OIC representing the Philippines as country observer is occupied by the MNLF since 1976 by virtue of the Tripoli Agreement.”

Ramos said the government must gain “observer country” status in the OIC to complete the search for peace in Mindanao. 

“We must try to bring the majority leadership of the MNLF and get the OIC to agree with the Bangsamoro Basic Framework Agreement with the MILF,” he said.

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said yesterday the House of Representatives and the Senate can still pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law before the end of this year.  – Jose Rodel Clapano, Edith Regalado, Jess Diaz