MILF to declare SOMA
July 24, 2009 9:41 am
By Malu C. Manar
KIDAPAWAN CITY, July 24 – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will declare its version of the suspension of military offensive (SOMO) that Malacanang has declared on Wednesday afternoon, hours after thousands of internally-displaced persons (IDPs) lined up along the Cotabato-Maguindanao highway to demand truce.
MILF chief negotiator Mohaqher Igbal, in a statement issued today, said the truce declaration of their group was in response to the government’s SOMO. They will term it as SOMA or the suspension of military action.
Iqbal, also chief of the information division of the MILF, said the MILF has yet to reach out to their field commanders as regards the truce.
MILF political affairs chief Ghadzali Jaafar, in an interview over Catholic-ran DXMS in Cotabato City , said the government’s ceasefire declaration was ‘proof’ that Malacanang was sincere in its efforts to resume the peace talks in Mindanao.
“After Malacanang declared SOMO, the MILF central leadership has met and discussed the issue,” said Jaafar.
“’Di namin sinasalungat ang SOMO ng Arroyo government.(We don't opposeArroyo government's SOMO). The MILF will issue a statement anytime today,” he said.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita announced Thursday President Arroyo’s policy directive “to advance stability and peace in the conflict-affected areas of Mindanao , intensify and sustain law enforcement measures, and provide a stable environment for the resumption of the peace talks” between government and the MILF.
The SOMO was issued four days before President Arroyo delivers her State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The announcement has elated thousands of IDPs who said the truce could help them return to their homes “without fear” as they prepared for the month-long fasting or Ramadan, which will start on August 21. (PNA)
RMA/NYP/Malu C Manar/utb
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