MILF presents new organizational structure

COTABATO CITY, Philippines -- The leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ended on Wednesday its expanded consultative meeting among the leaders and officials of 40 provincial committees all over Mindanao.

The meeting that started on May 25 briefed the provincial leaders on the government's program Sajahatra Bangsamoro and updates on the peace process.

MILF First Vice Chairman Ghazali Jaafar told ABS-CBN News that the leadership also presented changes in the structure of the organization such as the appointment of an officer-in-charge in the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), which is the ceasefire committee of the MILF.

Abas Salong from the province of Basilan was appointed officer-in-charge. He is a member of the ceasefire committee and a champion in upholding and coordinating with the government in the ceasefire mechanism.

Former CCCH-MILF Chairman Said Sheik became a member of the MILF's transition commission representing Lanao del Norte.

Aside from the new official, the MILF hierarchy also introduced a proposal on coming up with a political officer in every provincial committee.

"Ang political officer ay mag-aadvise sa provincial committee level. Ang pinagkaiba nito sa political officer ng MILF ay jurisdiction lang nila ay sa provincial committee at doon lang iikot ang kanilang power," Jaafar said.

The MILF also presented a new structure which will look into funding.

"Mayroon ring isang body na gustong buuin which role is important kasi connected ito sa pananalapi and properties ng MILF," the official added.

Bangsamoro Party

Another agenda discussed in the recent ended meeting was the proposal to organize a Bangsamoro Political Party.

Jaafar said there were proposals from the provincial leaders that this political party could be formed under the control of the MILF or the organization will be converted into a political party in the future.

The official added the proposed political party will engage in political exercises under the Bangsamoro government or even participate in the national elections.

"Definitely this is not a partylist. Some are saying na ito ay isang ideological party. Isang political party which will be engaged in political exercises sa ilalim ng Bangsamoro government. Dahil ang Bangsamoro government is ministerial in form and by district ang election so maaaring involved rin sa national elections, baka meron tayong papatakbuhing congressman," Jaafar said.

The proposed political party will be open in the future for Muslims and non-Muslims.

These are just plans and proposals and still not decided by the central committee.

There will still be series of consultations to take place among the members of the MILF. -- Lore Mae Andong, ABS-CBN News Central Mindanao