On the Peace Framework Signing between the Philippine Government and the MILF

The Revolutionary Workers Party – Mindanao (RPM-M) would like to congratulate the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in reaching this historic moment in its quest for the National Liberation of its people. The signing of the framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro can be a new phase of our long quest for achieving genuine peace in Mindanao through our consistent and legitimate struggle as validated in what we achieved in the negotiating table.

The RPM-M and the Revolutionary Peoples’ Army (RPA) have been consistent on its support towards the legitimate struggles of oppressed nationalities around the world for their respective Right to Self-Determination (RSD). However, the Party is a believer of a pro-people and people-centered peace process. Thus we have also been consistently vocal on our comradely criticisms to processes which only have the revolutionary group and the government panels that are talking without involving the broad masses in whose name revolutions and uprisings are waged. Thus we are calling for a very exhaustive process involving the Bangsamoro and the non-Bangsamoro Masses. This development today could be a concrete milestone for the process to further pursue and democratically address issues and concerns affecting not only the Bangsamoro PEOPLE.

We call upon our MILF comrades to be ever vigilant by learning from the past experiences especially with our MNLF brothers and sisters, that to achieve concrete reforms in the ARMM or the Bangsamoro a holistic approach is necessary and hence peace can be achieved in the Bangsamoro if the whole country can also in the process of peace building. Peace and development can never be compartmentalized in a country of multi nationalities like ours. May this framework Agreement provide added atmosphere for the empowerment of the Bangsamorto people- the real stakeholders in the whole process.

The RPM-M and the RPA call upon the Government of the Philippines not to disregard the issues and concerns raised by stakeholders like the Indigenous Peoples and the Christian Settlers. It is the responsibility of the State/GPH to bring into the negotiating table the concerns of its constituents and ensure that no one is left behind.

Both parties shall always be reminded not to short cut any process, be inclusive and be transparent to prevent doubts and speculations. Sincerity and patience of both parties can be put into test by these basic principles.

We also call on the Bangsamoro masses to take part, importantly today in the whole process and not just a mere expectator since the process will define the future of the Bangsamoro people. We encourage you to not allow the elite and unscrupulous politicians and even the extremists to hi-jacked this victory just like what had.

In this historic juncture, we call on all social actors in Mindanao and the Philippines to express their views, insights, criticisms and apprehensions of the process and its direction in the most civilized and reasonable ways. This is in keeping with the commitment of both parties involved to make this process an inclusive one. This is an opening of a door for all inputs to be put forward towards the peace and progress of Mindanao and the empowerment of its peoples.

To the revolutionary forces in the Philippines and in Mindanao, we have roles to play to help enrich the debate on the revolutionary framework to the benefit of the oppressed classes and nationalities in this part of the world.

Revolutionary Greetings!

Revolutionary Workers Party – Mindanao (RPM-M) Revolutionary Peoples’ Party (RPA)

Mindanao, Philippines