By Ali G. Macabalang in Manila Bulletin

 

COTABATO CITY — The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said it would welcome Nur Misuari, founding chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and leaders of the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to join congressional deliberations on the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

 

In a televised interview here, MILF First Vice Chairman Ghazali Jaafar said the only stumbling block to their participation in the talks, as proposed by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, was that leaders of both groups had pending arrest warrants issued against them.

 

Misuari is being hunted over last year’s Zamboanga siege, while BIFF leader Ustadz Amerial Umbra Kato faces arrest for bombings and attacks in Maguindanao.

 

A peace advocate and a member of the Consortium of the Bangsamoro Civil Society said the proposal will delay the deliberations.

 

Abdulbasit Benito said a series of consultations had already been undertaken to include representatives of the MNLF and BIFF.

 

The government and MILF panels wrapped up a 10-day meeting in Davao City, reporting a substantial consensus on conflicting versions of Bangsamoro Basic Law.

 

Both panels said they would finish by Aug. 18 and submit a polished draft to the Palace for transmittal to Congress, said Presidential Peace Adviser Teresita Deles.